The ancient city of Kano on Sunday got additional Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) refuelling and conversion stations with the inauguration of two new facilities by a private company, NU Synergy.

The new facilities bring the number of CNG refuelling stations in the state to 12, up from zero about a year ago, reflecting the rapid growth of the CNG ecosystem following the activation of the Northern Corridor.

Speaking at the launch, the Executive Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG & EV), Ismaeel Ahmed, described the development as overwhelming.

According him, the development is an evidence of what can be achieved when private-sector investors respond quickly to emerging opportunities in Nigeria’s clean mobility sector.

He stated, “The future of transportation must increasingly be driven by more affordable energy alternatives, particularly in a country with significant natural gas resources like Nigeria.

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

Mr Ahmed reiterated that Nigeria’s energy advantage lies in its abundant gas resources, noting that greater domestic utilisation of natural gas could help reduce transportation costs.

He said this would open new opportunities for investment, job creation and technical skills development.

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

Mr Ahmed recalled that the promoter of NU Synergy approached Pi-CNG & EV only a few months earlier with an interest in investing in the CNG sector, and the outcome “is the facilities” being inaugurated.

“Following discussions, the investor was connected with the Initiative’s operations and gas teams for the necessary guidance and technical suppor. Four months later, this is the story. He is commissioning a CNG station in Kano. Today is one of my proudest moments,” Mr Ahmed said.

He noted that NU Synergy developed two facilities in Kano, one along Zaria Road and another in Mariri along Wudil Road, with plans to expand to other locations.

Mr Ahmed commended the speed of execution, describing the investment as an example of the private-sector response required to deepen CNG adoption across the country.

“You are a doer, you are a deliverer, and you have delivered in Kano,” the executive chairman said.

As part of activities marking the launch, motorists were also offered free CNG refuelling for the day, giving existing CNG users an opportunity to experience the new facility.

The event was attended by key government officials, traditional leaders and private-sector stakeholders, among others.

(NAN)