The Federal Government on Thursday launched the Northern Corridor of the Compressed Natural Gas and electric vehicle transport initiative in Kano State as part of efforts to promote cleaner and more affordable transportation across the country.
The programme, introduced under the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles, is aimed at reducing transportation costs, supporting energy transition and improving the movement of goods and passengers nationwide.
The launch, held at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano, attracted government officials, transport operators, investors and representatives of the Kano State Government.
Representing Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, described the initiative as a major economic intervention targeted at addressing rising transportation costs and inflation.
According to him, the increasing cost of transportation has continued to impact food prices, logistics and economic stability across the country.
“This transition is not just an energy policy; it is an economic strategy aimed at reducing costs and strengthening long-term growth,” he said.
The Executive Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles, Ismaeel Ahmed, said the programme had evolved beyond easing the effects of fuel subsidy removal to building a sustainable transport system.
Ahmed disclosed that the initiative had expanded through the establishment of conversion centres, refuelling infrastructure and workforce training programmes in several states.
He revealed that over 300 conversion partners had been onboarded nationwide, including 41 centres in Kano, while more than 7,000 Nigerians had already been trained under the scheme.
“We are guided by three priorities: affordability, availability and acceptability. Nigerians should be able to convert their vehicles without financial pressure,” he said.
Ahmed further stated that the initiative had attracted over $2bn in investment commitments, noting that Kano remained a strategic commercial and logistics hub in Northern Nigeria.
Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, described the programme as a timely intervention capable of easing transportation challenges and improving living conditions.
“Kano has always occupied a strategic position in commerce, transportation and industry. Any initiative capable of reducing transportation costs and providing affordable alternatives will directly improve the lives of millions of our people,” the governor said.
He added that the state government had begun working with investors and relevant agencies to expand gas and electric mobility infrastructure across Kano.
The event also featured the inauguration of two new CNG refuelling stations to strengthen clean energy transportation infrastructure in Kano and neighbouring states.
