Kano State has increased its Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) refuelling stations to 12 from zero about a year ago, following the commissioning of two new facilities by private company NU Synergy.
The new stations, located along Zaria Road and at Mariri on Wudil Road, were inaugurated on Sunday by the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG & EV).
Speaking at the event, the initiative’s Executive Chairman, Ismaeel Ahmed, described the expansion as evidence of growing private-sector investment in cheaper and cleaner transportation energy.
He said the rapid development of the CNG network followed the activation of the Northern Corridor, adding that more investors were beginning to explore opportunities in the sector.
“The future belongs to cheaper energy sources for transportation. It is difficult to achieve that with PMS and diesel,” Ahmed said.
He said Nigeria’s abundant natural gas reserves offered an opportunity to reduce transportation costs while creating jobs, attracting investment and developing technical skills.
“Nigeria is a gas country, not an oil country. We have over 200 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas,” he said.
Ahmed recalled that NU Synergy’s promoter approached the initiative only a few months ago to express interest in investing in CNG infrastructure.
Following discussions, the investor was connected with the initiative’s operations and gas teams for 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 commended the company for completing the facilities within a short period and disclosed that it planned to expand to other locations.
The executive chairman said increased private-sector participation would be critical to expanding access to CNG and accelerating its adoption across Nigeria.
As part of the inauguration, motorists were offered free CNG refuelling for the day.
Government officials, traditional leaders and private-sector stakeholders attended the event.
