The Federal Government has launched the Northern Corridor of its Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and electric vehicle transport programme in Kano State as part of efforts to promote cleaner, affordable and sustainable transportation across the country.
The initiative, unveiled on Thursday through the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles, is expected to reduce transportation costs for passengers and goods while supporting Nigeria’s energy transition agenda.
The launch event, held at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano, attracted government officials, investors, transport operators and representatives of the Kano State Government.
Representing Vice President Kashim Shettima at the event, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, described the programme as a strategic economic intervention designed to improve transport efficiency and support long-term economic growth.
According to him, transportation costs continue to contribute significantly to inflation, affecting food prices, logistics and the overall economy.
“This transition is not just an energy policy; it is an economic strategy aimed at reducing costs and strengthening long-term growth,” Hadejia said.
The Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles, Ismaeel Ahmed, said the programme had moved beyond cushioning the effects of fuel subsidy removal to building a sustainable transport ecosystem nationwide.
Ahmed explained that the initiative had expanded through vehicle conversion centres, refuelling infrastructure and skills development across several states.
“We are guided by three priorities: affordability, availability and acceptability. Nigerians should be able to convert their vehicles without financial pressure,” he said.
He disclosed that more than 300 conversion partners had been onboarded across the country, including 41 centres in Kano State, while over 7,000 Nigerians had received training under the programme.
Ahmed further revealed that the initiative had secured over $2 billion in investment commitments, describing Kano as a key commercial and logistics hub in Northern Nigeria.
Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State commended the programme, describing it as a timely intervention capable of easing transportation challenges and improving living standards.
“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.
Yusuf added that the state government had begun working with investors and relevant agencies to expand gas and electric mobility infrastructure across Kano.
As part of the event, two new CNG refuelling stations were commissioned to strengthen clean energy mobility in Kano and neighbouring states.
