 and Electric){kind=link}
• State procure 30 intercity hybrid and electric buses — Gov. Radda
• PCNGi to establish CNG station and EV hub along Funtua — Chairman PCNGi assures
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Electric Vehicles (EVs).
The Governor stated this while receiving the delegation led by Chairman Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi), Barrister Ismail Ahmed, at Government House, Katsina.
Governor Radda noted the strong ties between Katsina State and Kano State and appreciated the delegation for choosing Katsina as the first state for engagement, assuring them of the state government’s full support.
He explained that the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that embracing modern technology is essential for economic growth and development.
The Governor observed the growing adoption of electric motorcycles across the state and the increasing demand for CNG, especially during the commissioning of a CNG station, where a large number of operators were present.
He disclosed that the state had already commenced the conversion of tricycles, motorcycles, and vehicles to CNG and LNG, noting that the initiative is helping to reduce transportation costs, improve incomes, and create new business opportunities, particularly for young people.
Governor Radda further revealed that the state government is currently constructing an additional CNG station to complement the existing facility as part of efforts to expand infrastructure and meet rising demand.
He added that the government is ready to provide land for the establishment of conversion centres once a formal request is received from PCNGi.
The Governor identified key transport corridors, including Abuja, Kaduna, Funtua, Gusau, and Sokoto, describing Funtua as a strategic economic hub for the success of the initiative.
On mass transit, Governor Radda revealed that the state has procured 30 intercity buses, including hybrid and electric options.
He further disclosed that the government has also procured 500 electric tricycles and approved the purchase of 3,000 electric motorcycles for rural teachers to improve mobility and productivity.
He recalled his recent visit to China, where he explored opportunities for the introduction and procurement of hybrid vehicles for traditional institutions.
The Governor emphasised that these initiatives support climate action and sustainable development.
He concluded by highlighting the cost advantages and efficiency of electric vehicles, noting that they are significantly more affordable than conventional vehicles, and reaffirmed the state government’s readiness to partner with PCNGi to drive the initiative forward.
Earlier, the PCNGi Executive Chairman, Barrister Ismail Ahmed, commended Governor Dikko Umaru Radda for his steady rise from grassroots politics to leadership, describing his journey as a model of dedication, discipline, and political mentorship.
He appreciated the Governor for his early support, noting that Katsina was prioritised because of the Governor’s leadership and the strong relationship between both sides.
He added that the visit was also a reciprocal one following the Governor’s earlier visit to their office in Abuja.
Barrister Ismail Ahmed announced plans to establish a major CNG and electric vehicle hub along the Funtua corridor, alongside conversion centres and the training of about 500 youths.
He said the initiative is aimed at boosting logistics, creating jobs, and building technical capacity.
He also disclosed plans to deploy a significant number of the 100,000 vehicle conversion kits nationwide to Katsina, alongside the distribution of CNG-powered tricycles and vehicles to improve transportation and accessibility.
The PCNGi Chairman stressed the urgent need for Nigeria to embrace CNG and electric vehicles due to rising global energy costs, adding that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains strongly committed to the initiative and is closely monitoring its progress.
The meeting was attended by the Principal Private Secretary to the Governor, Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji; GM REB, Engr. Abubakar Matazu; Technical Assistant to the Governor on Renewable Energy, Engr. Abdulaziz; and other stakeholders in the energy and power sector.
The delegation included Engr. Zayyan Tambari (Chief Compliance Officer), Hadiza Lawal (Deputy Director and Adviser), Comrade Jamilu Mikail of Kano (North-West CNG Officer), and Tan Mayor Bright (Chief of Staff), among others.
About The Author
