NASENI, Portland commission CNG hub in Abuja to enhance clean energy transition

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and Portland Gas Ltd have commissioned a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Conversion, Training Centre, and Refill Station in Kubwa, Abuja, as part of efforts to drive Nigeria’s clean energy transition.

Speaking at the event, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, commended NASENI for promoting affordable and cleaner energy solutions. Represented by Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, Abbas described the initiative as timely and impactful, urging Nigerians to embrace the shift to CNG, drawing lessons from countries like Argentina, Pakistan, and Iran that have successfully converted millions of vehicles.

Representing the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Olu Verheijen, lauded the NASENI–Portland partnership as a model of private sector collaboration driving economic growth. She emphasised that the government’s role was to serve as a catalyst by unlocking expertise and capital to deliver results.

NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, said the facility aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda for a sustainable and industrially vibrant economy. He announced plans to replicate similar centres in all 36 states and the FCT to make CNG vehicle conversion accessible nationwide.

According to Halilu, the Kubwa station, which can convert up to 20 vehicles daily, will make CNG more affordable, improve air quality, boost engine performance, enhance energy security, and create jobs for Nigerian youths.

In the past year, NASENI has trained 30 Nigerian engineers from all geopolitical zones in CNG conversion, auto maintenance, and clean energy technologies, producing a pool of home-grown experts to sustain the initiative.

The Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr. Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, praised NASENI’s role in ensuring affordable transportation energy and urged other government agencies to support the effort.

Managing Director of Portland Gas Ltd, Hon. Olujimi Mohammed, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and NASENI for their collaboration, expressing optimism that CNG adoption would significantly cut transportation costs for Nigerians.