Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House of Representatives, has praised the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) for establishing the NASENI-Portland CNG Conversion, Training Center and Refill Station in Kubwa, Abuja, which promotes more affordable and environmentally friendly energy options.
While praising the initiative’s timeliness and impact, the Speaker, represented by Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, remarked, “Energy transitions are never just about technology; they are about the quality of life for our people.” We have to give NASENI’s leadership credit for improving the lives of Nigerians.
The energy transition process is necessary, but it takes time, Hon. Abbas stressed as he urged Nigerians to embrace it. He emphasized Nigeria’s ability to lead Africa in CNG adoption, citing Iranian, Pakistani, and Argentinean examples of countries that have successfully switched millions of vehicles to CNG.
Olu Verheijen, the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, delivered a goodwill message on behalf of the special guest of honor, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, saying, “The NASENI–Portland partnership is a clear example of how the private sector plays a vital role in driving our nation’s economic growth and development.”
The pace set by NASENI under Mr. Halilu’s leadership should serve as an example for other agencies across the nation, she said, adding, “As government, we have a role to play as a catalyst, unlocking private sector expertise and capital to deliver meaningful results for the Nigerian people.”
Read Also: Rashford Criticizes Manchester United’s ‘Reactionary’ Approach, Claims Club Lost Its Principles Post-Ferguson
With its CNG Conversion Center, Training Center, and CNG Gas Refill Station, this facility is part of our continued commitment to the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda for a diversified, sustainable, and industrially vibrant economy, said Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, NASENI, in his welcome address.
In the upcoming years, we hope to convert all Nigerian vehicles to CNG by replicating these facilities throughout the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. This daughter station is a symbol of our dedication to spreading access to CNG technology, dismantling monopolies to enhance service quality and price, and cutting down on lengthy lines and bottlenecks for CNG consumers.
The advantages are indisputable, according to Halilu: cheaper fuel prices, cleaner air, improved engine performance, increased energy security, and long-term employment opportunities for our young people. “Last year, we put our flagship CNG Conversion, Filling, and Training Centre in Utako into service, demonstrating what is possible when perseverance and innovation meet.
We’re extending that ambition today. With the ability to convert up to 20 vehicles each day, this daughter station would increase the affordability, accessibility, and convenience of CNG for regular Nigerians.
The Agency has trained 30 Nigerian engineers from all geopolitical zones in CNG conversion, vehicle maintenance, and clean energy technologies over the past year, he said, forming a new generation of indigenous professionals who would spread this innovation throughout the nation.
The honorary guest, Mr. Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), commended NASENI for its efforts to guarantee cheap energy costs for transportation and urged other government organizations to assist NASENI.
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPR), the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), the DG of the National Technology Incubation Center, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the EVC/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the DG Budget Office, and others congratulated NASENI and Portland on their partnership and pledged their support in separate goodwill messages.
Portland Gas Ltd.’s managing director, Hon. Olujimi Mohammed, thanked the federal government for all of the assistance his company has received in his vote of thanks. He was especially pleased with the NASENI’s efforts and commitment to the collaboration, asserting that Nigerians will save money on transportation and other necessities thanks to CNG.
signed by NASENI’s Deputy Director of Information, Chima Akwaja
