The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) yesterday joined key stakeholders at the commissioning of the NASENI–Portland Gas Limited CNG Daughter Station, Auto Conversion and Training Centre in Kubwa, Abuja. A major step forward in Nigeria’s transition to cleaner, more affordable energy for mobility and industry.
The facility, developed through a strategic partnership between the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and Portland Gas Limited, is designed to provide CNG refueling services, vehicle conversion, and hands-on technical training for automotive technicians.
Speaking as Special Guest of Honour, NADDC Director-General Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin commended the initiative, noting its importance in addressing public demand for affordable, cleaner fuel alternatives.
“We all know the advantages of using CNG, its benefits have been well enumerated. We must embrace this movement not only to power our vehicles but also to power many other aspects of our industrial life,” Osanipin said.
NASENI Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, highlighted the project’s economic impact, pointing out that Nigerians currently spend over 40% of their daily earnings on fuel, the highest proportion globally.
“We are working to cut that in half while reducing harmful emissions and extending the lifespan of both lives and vehicle engines. This NASENI–Portland facility is designed to help achieve exactly that,” Halilu stated.
Portland Gas Limited CEO, Mr. FolaJimi Mohammed, described the commissioning as a testament to the power of public-private collaboration.
“This CNG auto gas station with NASENI and Portland stands as a bold declaration that Nigeria is ready, capable and determined to lead a cleaner energy future. Today, we are not just commissioning a facility — we are making a commitment to innovation, persistence, and resilience. NADDC’s leadership in promoting alternative fuel vehicles and CNG conversion programmes has been vital to this journey,” Mohammed affirmed.
The Kubwa CNG Daughter Station and Training Centre is expected to:
* Boost nationwide adoption of CNG-powered vehicles
* Reduce transportation costs for operators and consumers
* Provide specialized training for automotive technicians
* Support job creation and technical capacity development in Nigeria’s automotive sector
NADDC remains committed to advancing policies, infrastructure, and public awareness to ensure that CNG and other clean energy solutions play a central role in Nigeria’s automotive future.
