By The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has lauded the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) for promoting affordable and cleaner energy through its Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative.
Abbas, represented by Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, spoke at the commissioning of the NASENI-Portland CNG Conversion Training Centre and Refill Station in Kubwa, Abuja. In a statement released by NASENI’s Deputy Director of Information, Chima Akwaja, the Speaker emphasized that energy transitions go beyond technology, directly impacting the quality of life for citizens.
He commended NASENI’s leadership for reducing the burden of high energy costs and encouraged Nigerians to embrace cleaner energy solutions. Citing successful CNG conversions in countries like Argentina, Pakistan, and Iran, Abbas expressed confidence that Nigeria could emerge as a leader in Africa’s clean energy sector.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Olu Verheijen, described the NASENI-Portland partnership as a strong example of the private sector’s role in driving economic growth. She highlighted that the government’s role is to act as a catalyst, leveraging private sector expertise and capital to deliver tangible benefits to Nigerians. She also noted that NASENI’s leadership under Khalil Muhammad Halilu should serve as a model for other government agencies.
NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Khalil Halilu, explained that the new facility, which includes a CNG conversion centre, training hub, and refill station, aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agendafor a diversified and sustainable economy. The Kubwa station has the capacity to convert up to 20 vehicles daily, which is expected to reduce costs, improve service quality, and break monopolies in the sector. Halilu added that similar facilities are planned for all 36 states and the FCT within the next year.
Halilu also highlighted the benefits of CNG, including lower fuel costs, cleaner air, improved engine performance, enhanced energy security, and job creation for youths. He revealed that NASENI has already trained 30 engineers in CNG conversion, auto maintenance, and clean energy technologies.
The Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr. Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, praised the initiative and urged other agencies to support NASENI’s drive to make transportation energy more affordable.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of Portland Gas Ltd, Hon. Folajimi Mohammed, expressed appreciation to the federal government for its support, noting that the initiative will significantly cut transportation costs and ease the financial burden on Nigerians.
