Katsina Govt, PCNGi to set up more CNG stations
Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Electric Vehicles (EVs) in the state.
The Governor stated this when he received the Chairman of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi), Barrister Ismail Ahmed, at Government House, Katsina.
Radda described the CNG and EV initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration as essential to national economic growth and development.
The governor said the growing adoption of electric motorcycles and demand for CNG across the state is helping to reduce transportation cost, improve incomes, and create new business opportunities, particularly for young people.
Radda said the state is currently constructing an additional CNG station to complement existing ones, as part of efforts to expand the CNG infrastructure and meet rising demand.
He said the state is ready to provide land to the PCNGi for the establishment of conversion centres once a formal request is received.
The governor said the plan by PCNGi to establish new CNG conversion centres in Funtua would service motorists plying the corridor linking Kaduna, Gusau, and Sokoto axis.
On mass transit, Radda revealed that the state government has procured 30 hybrid and electric buses to boost intercity transportation.
This, he said, was in addition to the procurement of 500 electric tricycles and approval for the purchase of 3,000 electric motorcycles for rural teachers.
He recalled his recent visit to China, where he explored opportunities for the procurement of hybrid vehicles for traditional rulers in the state.
The governor said these initiatives would support climate action and sustainable development in the state.
He highlighted the cost advantages and efficiency of electric vehicles, saying they are significantly more affordable than conventional vehicles.
Radda reaffirmed the state government’s readiness to partner with PCNGi to drive the initiative.
Earlier, the PCNGi Executive Chairman, Barrister Ismail Ahmed, described Governor Radda’s steady rise from grassroots politics to leadership as a model of dedication, discipline, and political mentorship.
He appreciated the governor for his support, which made the PCNGi to place Katsina on its priority list.
Barrister Ahmed announced plans to establish a major CNG and electric vehicle hub along the Funtua corridor, set up conversion centres and train about 500 youths to boost logistics, create jobs, and build their technical capacity.
He also disclosed plans to deploy a significant number of the 100,000 vehicle conversion kits earmarked nationwide to Katsina, alongside CNG-powered tricycles and vehicles to improve transportation in the state.
The PCNGi Chairman stressed the urgent need for Nigerians to embrace CNG and electric vehicles due to rising global energy costs, assuring that President Tinubu remains strongly committed to the initiative and is closely monitoring progress.
