The Federal Government has officially launched the Northern Corridor of the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Electric Vehicle Transport Programme in Kano as part of efforts to promote cleaner, cheaper and more sustainable transportation across Nigeria.
The initiative, unveiled through the Presidential Initiative on CNG and Electric Vehicles at the Sani Abacha Stadium, attracted government officials, investors, transport operators and representatives of the Kano State Government.
Representing Vice President Kashim Shettima, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, described the programme as a major economic strategy designed to support Nigeria’s energy transition while reducing transportation costs and improving efficiency in the movement of goods and passengers.
According to him, rising transport expenses remain a major factor driving inflation, food prices and logistics challenges, adding that the transition to CNG and electric mobility is aimed at creating long-term economic stability and lowering costs for Nigerians.
The Executive Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on CNG and Electric Vehicles, Ismaeel Ahmed, said the programme has expanded beyond easing the impact of fuel subsidy removal and is now focused on building a sustainable transportation ecosystem nationwide.
Ahmed revealed that over 300 conversion partners have been onboarded across the country, including 41 centres in Kano, while more than 7,000 Nigerians have already received training under the initiative.
He explained that the programme is built around affordability, availability and public acceptance, stressing that vehicle owners should be able to switch to CNG without financial hardship.
He also disclosed that the initiative has already attracted more than $2bn in investment commitments, describing Kano as a critical commercial and logistics hub in Northern Nigeria.
Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf welcomed the initiative, saying it would help reduce transportation costs and improve living conditions for millions of residents.
According to the governor, Kano’s strategic role in commerce, transportation and industry makes the state a key beneficiary of alternative energy projects capable of lowering costs and boosting economic activities.
He added that the state government has already begun working with investors and relevant agencies to expand gas and electric vehicle infrastructure across Kano.
The event also featured the commissioning of two new CNG refuelling stations to strengthen clean energy mobility infrastructure in Kano and neighbouring states.
