Nigeria’s journey toward cleaner, more affordable energy took another step forward with the inauguration of the NASENI–Portland Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Conversion, Training Centre, and Refill Station in Kubwa, Abuja.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, praised the initiative as a timely and impactful contribution to the nation’s energy goals.
Represented by Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, the Speaker highlighted the human impact of such projects, stating: “Energy transitions are never just about technology, they are about improving the quality of life for our people. We must commend NASENI’s leadership for making life easier for Nigerian citizens.”
He urged Nigerians to embrace the gradual shift toward cleaner fuels, describing it as both essential and inevitable.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, Special Adviser on Energy Olu Verheijen described the NASENI–Portland partnership as a model of how the private sector can drive economic growth and development.
In his remarks, NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman/CEO Khalil Suleiman Halilu said the project reflects the Renewed Hope Agenda for a diversified, sustainable, and industrially vibrant economy. He revealed plans to replicate such CNG facilities in all 36 states and the FCT, with the goal of converting every vehicle in Nigeria to run on CNG in the coming years. “This station brings CNG technology closer to the people, breaks monopolies, improves service quality and affordability, and eliminates long queues for CNG users,” Halilu said.
Over the past year, NASENI has trained 30 engineers from across all geo-political zones in CNG conversion, vehicle maintenance, and clean energy technologies creating a pool of home-grown experts to expand the innovation nationwide.
Also speaking at the event, the Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, commended NASENI’s efforts and called for stronger inter-agency collaboration.
Portland Gas Ltd Managing Director, Olujimi Mohammed, expressed appreciation for the Federal Government’s support in making the project possible.
The Kubwa hub is expected to make CNG more accessible to motorists in Abuja, lower fuel costs, and reduce carbon emissions—aligning with Nigeria’s broader climate and economic objectives.