L-R: Representing Speaker of House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbass Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh; EVC/CEO, NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu; Managing Director, Portland Gas Ltd, Hon. Folajimi Mohammed during the commissioning of NASENI-Portland CNG Centre in Kubwa, Abuja

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has described the NASENI-Portland CNG Hub initiative as timely and impactful just as he commended the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) for promoting affordable and cleaner energy solutions

The Speaker said “Energy transitions are not merely about technology, they are about the quality of life its offers to the people and commended the leadership of NASENI for making life easier for Nigerian citizens.”

The Speaker who was represented by Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh stated this while commissioning the NASENI-Portland CNG Hub located in Kubwa satellite town of the FCT

While urging Nigerians to embrace the energy transition process, Hon. Abbas noted that such change takes time but is essential. Citing examples from Argentina, Pakistan, and Iran countries that have successfully converted millions of vehicles to CNG, he stressed Nigeria’s potential to lead Africa in CNG adoption.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of special guest of honour, the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila represented by the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Olu Verheijen said, “The NASENI–Portland partnership is a clear example of how the private sector plays a vital role in driving our nation’s economic growth and development.

According to him “our role as government is to act as a catalyst, unlocking private sector expertise and capital to deliver meaningful results for the Nigerian people,” she stated, adding that the pace set by NASENI under Mr. Halilu’s leadership should serve as a model for other agencies across the country”

Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, in his welcome address said, this facility, with its CNG Conversion Centre, Training Centre, and CNG Gas Refill Station, is part of our ongoing commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President for a diversified, sustainable, and industrially vibrant economy.

The Director-General, National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr. Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, who was the guest of honour, praised NASENI for the initiative to ensure affordable cost of energy for transportation and called on other government agencies to support NASENI.

Earlier, Managing Director, Portland Gas Ltd, Hon. Folajimi Mohammed, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for all the support granted to his company. He particularly expressed satisfaction with the NASENI’s initiatives and determination in the partnership, believing that with CNG, Nigerians will spend less on transportation and other needs.