The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has received praise from Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Tajudeen Abbas for advancing more affordable and environmentally friendly energy options with the opening of the NASENI-Portland CNG Conversion, Training Center and Refill Station in Kubwa, Abuja.
“Energy transitions are never just about technology, they are about the quality of life for our people,” the Speaker, represented by Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, stated during the NASENI-Portland CNG Hub’s commissioning, highlighting the initiative’s importance and timeliness. We must applaud NASENI’s leadership for improving the lives of Nigerians.
Hon. Abbas stressed that while the energy transformation process is necessary, it takes time, and he urged Nigerians to embrace it. He emphasized Nigeria’s ability to lead Africa in the adoption of CNG, citing examples from nations like Argentina, Pakistan, and Iran that have successfully converted millions of vehicles to the fuel.
“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,” said Olu Verheijen, Special Adviser to the President on Energy, who was delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the special guest of honor, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President.
She said that the pace established by NASENI under Mr. Halilu’s direction should serve as a model for other agencies around the nation. “As a government, we have a responsibility to act as a catalyst, unlocking private sector expertise and capital to deliver meaningful results for the Nigerian people,” she said.
“This facility, with its CNG Conversion Center, Training Center, and CNG Gas Refill Station, is part of our ongoing commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President for a diversified, sustainable, and industrially vibrant economy,” stated Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, NASENI, in his welcome address.
In order to enable the conversion of all Nigerian vehicles to CNG in the upcoming years, our ambitious strategy calls for the replication of these facilities throughout the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. This daughter station is a symbol of our dedication to lowering barriers and lengthy lines for CNG customers, breaking monopolies to enhance service quality and price, and bringing CNG technology closer to the general public.
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Lower fuel prices, cleaner air, improved engine performance, increased energy security, and long-term employment for our young people are all undeniable advantages, according to Halilu. “Last year, we commissioned our flagship CNG Conversion, Filling, and Training Centre in Utako, demonstrating what is possible when innovation meets determination,” he said.
We are broadening that perspective today. This daughter station, which can convert up to 20 vehicles per day, would increase the accessibility, affordability, and convenience of CNG for regular Nigerians.
According to him, the Agency has trained 30 Nigerian engineers from all geopolitical zones in clean energy, auto repair, and CNG conversion over the past year. These engineers represent a new generation of domestic professionals who will spread this innovation throughout the entire nation.
The guest of honor, 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.
NASENI and Portland were congratulated on their partnership and assured of support by representatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) EVC/CEO, the DG of the National Technology Incubation Center, the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPR), the DG Budget Office, and others in separate goodwill messages.
Hon. Olujimi Mohammed, Managing Director of Portland Gas Ltd., thanked the Federal Government for all of the assistance provided to his business in his vote of thanks. He was especially pleased with NASENI’s efforts and commitment to the collaboration, saying that he thinks CNG will help Nigerians save money on transportation and other necessities.
