Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has commended the National Agency of Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) for promoting affordable and cleaner energy solutions through the establishment of NASENI-Portland CNG Conversion, Training Centre and Refill Station in Kubwa, Abuja.

Represented by Alex Mascot Ikwechegh while commissioning the NASENI-Portland CNG Hub, the Speaker said the initiative was timely and impactful, noting: “Energy transitions are never just about technology, they are about the quality of life for our people. We must commend the leadership of NASENI for making life easier for Nigerian citizens.”

Urging Nigerians to embrace the energy transition process, Abbas emphasised that though such a change takes time, it is essential. Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the special guest of honour, Chief of Staff to the President, 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.”

The Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NASENI, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, in his welcome address, said the facility “is part of our ongoing commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President for a diversified, sustainable, and industrially vibrant economy.”

He added, “Our plan is ambitious: to replicate these facilities across all 36 states and the FCT, making it possible to convert every vehicle in Nigeria to CNG in the coming years. This daughter station represents our commitment to bringing CNG technology closer to the people, breaking monopolies to improve service quality and affordability, and reducing bottlenecks and long queues for CNG users.”

Halilu said over the past year, the agency has trained 30 engineers from across all the geo-political zones in CNG conversion, auto maintenance, and clean energy technologies, representing a new generation of home-grown experts who would take the innovation to every nook and cranny of the country.

Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC)/guest of honour, Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, lauded NASENI for the initiative, and called on other government agencies to support NASENI.

On his part, Managing Director of Portland Gas Ltd, Olujimi Mohammed, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for all the support granted to his company.