Nigeria’s drive to expand Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) infrastructure has recorded progress in Kano State, where the number of refuelling stations has risen to 12 within one year.
The increase followed the commissioning of two CNG refuelling stations and a vehicle conversion centre established by NU Synergy to expand access to gas-powered transportation.
The commissioning ceremony attracted government officials, traditional leaders and private-sector stakeholders, including the Kano State Commissioner for Transportation, who represented Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
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Speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG & EV), Ismaeel Ahmed, said the expansion highlighted the role of private-sector investment in developing Nigeria’s clean mobility sector.
Ahmed explained that Nigeria’s abundant natural gas resources presented opportunities to reduce transportation costs, create jobs and stimulate economic activities through increased domestic utilisation of gas.
“The future belongs to cheaper energy sources for transportation. It is difficult to achieve that with PMS and diesel,” the Executive Chairman said.
He stated that Nigeria had more than 200 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas reserves, stressing the need to harness the resource to support transportation, industrial development and economic growth.
Ahmed disclosed that the promoter of NU Synergy had approached the Presidential Initiative about four months earlier to explore opportunities in the CNG sector and subsequently received technical guidance from its operations and gas teams.
He commended the investor for establishing the facilities within a short period, describing the project as an example of how private-sector participation could accelerate the expansion of CNG infrastructure.
The two facilities are located along Zaria Road and in Mariri, along Wudil Road, with plans to extend operations to other locations.
They combine CNG refuelling with vehicle conversion services, enabling motorists to access both services at the same locations.
As part of the commissioning activities, motorists were offered free CNG refuelling for the day.
The expansion forms part of the objectives of the Northern Corridor activation, which seeks to increase CNG infrastructure, vehicle conversion capacity and private-sector investment across northern Nigeria.
The growing network is expected to improve access to alternative transportation fuel and support efforts to reduce dependence on petrol and diesel.
However, sustained adoption of CNG will require continued investment in refuelling stations, reliable gas supplies, affordable vehicle conversions, safety standards and public awareness.
For commercial transport operators and other motorists, improved access to refuelling facilities could help address one of the major challenges associated with switching to gas-powered vehicles.
Kano’s reported increase to 12 CNG refuelling stations highlights the growing role of private investment in expanding Nigeria’s alternative energy infrastructure and promoting more affordable transportation options.
