Kano gets additional CNG refueling, conversion stations

KANO (North-West, Nigeria) The ancient city of Kano on Sunday has gotten additional Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) refueling and conversion stations with the commissioning of two new facilities by a private company, NU Synergy.

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

Speaking at the commissioning on Sunday, the Executive Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG & EV), Barr. Ismaeel Ahmed, described the development as evidence of what can be achieved when private-sector investors respond quickly to emerging opportunities in Nigeria’s clean mobility sector.

According to him, the future of transportation must increasingly be driven by more affordable energy alternatives, particularly in a country with Nigeria’s significant natural gas resources.

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

Ahmed reiterated that Nigeria’s energy advantage lies significantly in its abundant gas resources, noting that greater domestic utilisation of natural gas could help reduce transportation costs while opening 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,” he said.

The Executive Chairman 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 been commissioned.

“Following discussions, the investor was connected with the Initiative’s operations and gas teams for the necessary guidance and technical support.

“Four months later, this is the story. He is commissioning a CNG station in Kano. Today is one of my proudest moments,” 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.

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 Pi-CNG & EV 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 and private-sector stakeholders, among others.

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