Abbas Inaugurates Second NASENI-Portland CNG Facility in Abuja

With the opening of the NASENI-Portland CNG Conversion, Training Center and Refill Station in Kubwa, Abuja, the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has received praise from Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Tajudeen Abbas for advancing more affordable and environmentally friendly energy options.

During the NASENI-Portland CNG Hub’s commissioning, the Speaker, represented by Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, stated that energy transitions are never simply about technology; they are about our people’s quality of life. He also noted that the project was impactful and timely. The leadership of NASENI deserves praise for improving the quality of life for Nigerians.

Hon. Abbas underlined that while the energy transition process requires time, it is crucial and encouraged Nigerians to embrace it. He emphasized Nigeria’s ability to lead Africa in the adoption of CNG, citing examples from nations like Argentina, Pakistan, and Iran that have successfully converted millions of vehicles to the fuel.

“The NASENI–Portland partnership is a clear example of how the private sector plays a vital role in driving our nation’s economic growth and development,” said Chief of Staff to the President Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, who was represented by Special Adviser to the President on Energy Olu Verheijen, in delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the special guest of honor.

“Our government’s role is to act as a catalyst, unlocking private sector expertise and capital to deliver meaningful results for the Nigerian people,” she said. Mr. Halilu added that NASENI’s pace should be an example for other agencies throughout the nation.

In his welcome speech, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NASENI, stated that this facility, along with its CNG Conversion Center, Training Center, and CNG Gas Refill Station, is a part of our continued commitment to the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda for a diverse, sustainable, and industrially vibrant economy.

Our ambitious plan calls for the replication of these facilities in all 36 states as well as the Federal Capital Territory, enabling the conversion of all Nigerian vehicles to CNG within the next several years. Our dedication to bringing CNG technology closer to the public, dismantling monopolies to enhance service quality and affordability, and minimizing bottlenecks and lengthy lines for CNG consumers is embodied by our daughter station.

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“Last year, we commissioned our flagship CNG Conversion, Filling, and Training Centre in Utako, proving what is possible when innovation meets determination,” Halilu said, adding that the advantages are indisputable and include reduced fuel costs, cleaner air, improved engine performance, increased energy security, and long-term employment for our young people.

Our goal now is to broaden that vision. This daughter station would increase the accessibility, affordability, and convenience of CNG for regular Nigerians by having the ability to convert up to 20 vehicles each day.

30 Nigerian engineers from all geopolitical zones have received training from the Agency in CNG conversion, vehicle maintenance, and clean energy technologies over the past year, he said, forming a new generation of indigenous professionals who would spread this innovation throughout the nation.

As the honorary guest, Mr. Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), commended NASENI for its efforts to guarantee cheap energy costs for transportation and urged other government organizations to assist NASENI similarly.

Representatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) EVC/CEO, the DG of the National Technology Incubation Center, the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPR), the DG Budget Office, and others congratulated NASENI and Portland on their partnership and pledged their support in separate goodwill messages.

In his vote of thanks, Hon. Olujimi Mohammed, Managing Director of Portland Gas Ltd., thanked the Federal Government for all of the assistance provided to his business. With CNG, Nigerians will save money on transportation and other necessities, he said, expressing special delight with NASENI’s efforts and commitment to the cooperation.