Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano
Vice President Kashim Shettima has launched a fleet of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and electric vehicles in Kano State as part of efforts to expand affordable and cleaner transportation across Northern Nigeria.
The launch marked the first phase of the initiative, which included 15 CNG-powered vehicles comprising 10 fully CNG vehicles and five dual-fuel vehicles capable of running on both petrol and gas—as well as seven electric vehicles. Additionally, 200 CNG-powered tricycles were unveiled to further support mass transit in the region.
Representing the Vice President at the event, Senator Hassan Hadejia, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Vice President, said the activation of the CNG programme in Northern Nigeria would maximise impact due to the region’s vast transportation network, described as the largest in West Africa.
The Vice President commended Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his commitment and for creating an enabling environment ahead of the project’s formal rollout.
Governor Yusuf, in his remarks, reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to collaborate with the federal government, the Presidential Initiative on CNG (PI-CNG), the electric vehicle programme, and genuine private investors to strengthen the transportation and energy sectors.
He stressed that Kano State would continue to provide policies that encourage business growth, economic expansion, and job creation.
The governor also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for introducing the initiative, noting that it would significantly reduce transportation costs and ease mobility challenges for residents.
Executive Chairman of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PI-CNG) and EV programme, Barrister Ismael Ahmed, stated that President Tinubu, while aware of the economic burden caused by fuel subsidy removal, is committed to providing Nigerians with cheaper and sustainable energy alternatives.
He further disclosed plans to establish CNG stations across all senatorial districts in Kano to ensure widespread access.
Also speaking at the event, representatives of the governors of Jigawa and Katsina states called for the swift extension of the CNG initiative to their respective states, saying it would lower transportation expenses and accelerate economic development across the region.