By Hadiza Yusuf

Two Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) refuelling stations and a vehicle conversion centre have been commissioned in Kano State as part of efforts to expand access to cheaper and cleaner transportation energy.

The facilities, operated by NU Synergy, are located along Zaria Road and at Mariri along Wudil Road.

Speaking at the commissioning, the Executive Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG & EV), Ismaeel Ahmed, said private-sector investment was crucial to accelerating the adoption of alternative fuels in Nigeria.

Ahmed said the country needed more affordable alternatives to petrol and diesel to reduce transportation costs.

“The future belongs to cheaper energy sources for transportation. It is difficult to achieve that with PMS and diesel,” he said.

He noted that Nigeria’s abundant natural gas resources offered opportunities to expand the CNG sector, create jobs and develop technical skills.

“Nigeria is a gas country, not an oil country. We have over 200 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas,” Ahmed said.

The Pi-CNG & EV chairman recalled that the promoter of NU Synergy approached the initiative about four months ago to explore investment opportunities in the sector.

He said the investor was subsequently connected with the initiative’s operations and gas teams for guidance and technical support before commencing the projects.

“Four months later, this is the story. He is commissioning a CNG station in Kano,” Ahmed said.

He commended the investor for completing the facilities within a short period, describing the development as an example of the private-sector participation needed to expand CNG infrastructure across the country.

The newly commissioned facilities combine refuelling services with vehicle conversion, enabling motorists to access both services at the same locations.

The expansion is expected to improve access to CNG for private vehicle owners, commercial transport operators and fleet managers seeking alternatives to petrol and diesel.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by government officials, traditional leaders and private-sector representatives, including the Kano State Commissioner for Transportation, who represented the governor, the Hakimi of the host local government area and a representative of the Dangote Group.

As part of the launch activities, motorists were offered free CNG refuelling for the day.

The commissioning brings the number of CNG refuelling stations in Kano State to 12.