The Federal Government, through the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles, on Thursday launched the Northern Corridor of the CNG and electric vehicle transport program in Kano State.
The initiative is aimed at promoting cleaner, affordable, and sustainable transportation while reducing the cost of movement of goods and passengers across the country.
The event, held at the Sani Abacha Stadium, attracted government officials, investors, transport stakeholders, and representatives of the Kano State Government.
Representing Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, described the initiative as a strategic economic intervention aimed at supporting Nigeria’s energy transition and improving transportation efficiency.
He said transportation costs remained a major driver of inflation, affecting food prices, logistics, and overall economic stability.
“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 and Chief Executive Officer of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles, Ismaeel Ahmed, said the programme had evolved beyond cushioning the effects of fuel subsidy removal to building a sustainable transportation ecosystem.
According to him, the initiative has expanded through conversion centres, refueling infrastructure, and workforce development across several states.
Ahmed disclosed that over 300 conversion partners had been onboarded nationwide, including 41 centers in Kano, while more than 7,000 Nigerians had been trained under the program.
“We are guided by three priorities: affordability, availability, and acceptability. Nigerians should be able to convert their vehicles without financial pressure,” Ahmed said.
He added that the initiative had attracted over $2 billion in investment commitments, noting that Kano remained a strategic commercial and logistics hub in Northern Nigeria.
Governor Abba Yusuf described the program as a timely intervention aimed at reducing transportation costs 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,” he said.
Yusuf said the state government had begun collaborating with investors and relevant agencies to expand gas and electric mobility infrastructure across the state.
