President Tinubu launches NASENI Kia Portland/CNG Conversion Plant in Abuja

MIKE OCHONMA
Editor

In a significant step towards achieving sustainable energy, President Bola Tinubu has launched the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) Kia Portland facility for Kia Hybrid and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Vehicles and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) reverse-engineering, training, filling and conversation centre in Utako, Abuja, on Friday, May 31, 2024.

The centre offers comprehensive training programs for technicians, engineers, and other stakeholders, promoting the adoption of green energy solutions across the nation.

This initiative is expected to significantly reduce vehicular emissions, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment.

Represented by the Senate President Godswill Akpabio, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu instructed federal ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to patronize the technologies and products of the NASENI.

Tinubu, who also serves as chairman of the NASENI governing board, emphasised the importance of the agency’s collaboration with private sector players in commercialising its products.

He highlighted the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGi), in which NASENI is actively involved, as a strategy to utilise Nigeria’s abundant gas resources and promote cleaner energy.

NASENI’s executive vice chairman/chief executive officer (EVC/CEO), Khalil Halilu, earlier, explained that, the facility in Utako is strategically located, as the district house’s transportation hub connecting the federal capital to the rest of the country.

He said the facility which was developed in partnership with KIA and Portland, demonstrates NASENI’s collaborative approach as well as our readiness to leverage existing infrastructure to achieve our mandates. to building a recognizable national brand that will make itself felt in every Nigerian’s life through products that will bring down the cost of living, improve the quality of life, promote efficiency, and amplify national pride.

He equally shed more light on their partnership with KIA, saying: “This alliance aims to promote the adoption of CNG vehicles in Nigeria by developing and distributing CNG hybrid models.

Furthermore, with KIA, “we plan to retrofit hybrid CNG vehicles right from the assembling point and push these advanced Vehicles into the market.’’

This initiative will ensure that Nigerians have access to affordable, efficient, and environmentally friendly transportation options making it easier for Nigerians to transition to this cleaner energy alternative.

Also present was the managing director of Dana Motors, Jacky Hathiramani, among other dignitaries.