By Juliet Umeh
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has called on Nigerians to embrace the nation’s energy transition process, stressing that while the change will take time, it remains essential for achieving a sustainable future.
According to a statement made available to Vanguard and signed by the Deputy Director, Information, NASENI, Mr. Chima Akwaja, Abbas, represented by Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, made the call while inaugurating the second NASENI–Portland Compressed Natural Gas, CNG, Conversion, Training Centre, and Refill Station in Kubwa, Abuja.
He commended the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, NASENI, for championing affordable and cleaner energy solutions.
Abbas said: “Energy transitions are never just about technology, they are about the quality of life for our people. We must commend the leadership of NASENI for making life easier for Nigerian citizens.
“Drawing from examples in Argentina, Pakistan, and Iran, where millions of vehicles have been successfully converted to run on CNG, I am confident that Nigeria has the potential to lead Africa in CNG adoption.”
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Ms. Olu Verheijen, described the NASENI–Portland partnership as a model of how the private sector can drive economic growth.
She said: “Our role as government is to act as a catalyst, unlocking private sector expertise and capital to deliver meaningful results for the Nigerian people. NASENI’s pace under the leadership of Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu should serve as a model for other agencies.”
In his welcome address, NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, said the new facility reflects the agency’s commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President, targeting a diversified, sustainable, and industrially vibrant economy.
Halilu stated: “Our plan is ambitious: to replicate these facilities across all 36 states and the FCT, making it possible to convert every vehicle in Nigeria to CNG in the coming years.
“With the capacity to convert up to 20 vehicles a day, this station will make CNG more accessible, more affordable, and more convenient for everyday Nigerians.”
He noted that NASENI has already trained 30 Nigerian engineers in CNG conversion, auto maintenance, and clean energy technologies, creating a new generation of home-grown experts to drive innovation nationwide.
The Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council, NADDC, Mr. Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, commended NASENI for reducing energy costs for transportation and urged other government agencies to support the initiative.
Representatives from the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, National Technology Incubation Centre, National Association of Road Transport Owners, NARTO, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, and the Budget Office also pledged their support for the partnership.
In his vote of thanks, the Managing Director of Portland Gas Ltd, Hon. Olujimi Mohammed, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its support, stating that CNG adoption would significantly reduce transportation costs for Nigerians.
