* Transport Costs Driving Poverty, CNG Offers Immediate Relief — Governor Says
Katsina State Governor and Chairman of the North West Governors’ Forum, Mal. Dikko Umaru Radda, has called for a coordinated regional approach to accelerate the adoption of clean and affordable transportation across Northern Nigeria
A statement signed by Ibrahim kaula Mohammad, chief press secretary to the Governor, said Governor Radda made the call on Thursday at the launch of the Northern Corridor Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Electric Vehicle (EV) Programme, held at the Sani Abacha Indoor Stadium in Kano State.
The high-level event attracted key government officials, industry stakeholders, and development partners.
In his address, Governor Radda—ably represented by his Special Adviser on Climate Change, Prof. Alamin Mohammed—described the initiative as a bold and timely economic intervention aimed at reducing the burden of rising transportation costs on citizens, particularly farmers and small-scale traders.
“For us in Katsina, this moment goes beyond the launch of new vehicles. It is about reimagining the economics of progress for the common man across Northern Nigeria,” the Governor stated.
He lamented the harsh realities faced by rural farmers, noting that the cost of transporting agricultural produce often erodes profit margins due to reliance on expensive imported fuel.
“A farmer in our hinterland may spend as much transporting his produce as the profit he hopes to make. This initiative directly addresses that burden,” he added.
Governor Radda emphasised that the adoption of CNG could reduce fuel costs by up to 50 percent, easing pressure on transporters, lowering food prices, and ultimately helping to curb inflation.
The Governor further linked the transition to clean energy with improved security and environmental sustainability in the region.
“As a frontline state, Katsina has borne the weight of insecurity, partly driven by illicit economies around fuel. Transitioning to domestically available gas will help disrupt these networks and promote stability,” he said.
He also highlighted the environmental benefits of the initiative, particularly in combating desertification and reducing harmful emissions.
“Every CNG vehicle and electric bus we deploy is a step toward protecting our fragile ecosystem and securing a healthier future for our children,” he noted.
Governor Radda reiterated that Katsina State is not merely supporting the initiative but actively leading in clean energy implementation through tangible projects and investments.
“We have moved beyond planning to execution. Katsina is demonstrating that a green economy is not only achievable but economically viable,” he said.
He outlined key milestones achieved by the state, including the establishment of its first CNG station in partnership with Greenville LNG, deployment of solar-powered streetlights, and installation of renewable energy systems across critical public infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, and water facilities.
The Governor also revealed that the state has committed over ₦19.89 billion to solar energy expansion and has surpassed 1,020 megawatts in renewable energy generation within just two years.
Governor Radda disclosed that the state’s clean energy drive is guided by the Katsina Green Growth Agenda (KAGGA), a comprehensive roadmap focused on climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, ecosystem restoration, and green industrialisation.
“This is not accidental progress. It is a deliberate strategy backed by strong policy direction and investment,” he explained.
He announced key targets under the plan, including achieving 50 percent renewable energy adoption in urban areas by 2030 and expanding access to 70 percent of the state’s population.
Other measures include the conversion of government-owned vehicles to CNG, expansion of refuelling and EV charging infrastructure, and integration of green technology training into technical education.
Governor Radda called on his counterparts across Northern Nigeria to harmonise policies and infrastructure to ensure seamless adoption of clean transport systems across state boundaries.
“Let us build a unified Northern corridor where a CNG vehicle can move seamlessly from Kano to Katsina, Kaduna, and beyond,” he urged.
He also appealed to financial institutions to provide affordable financing options to support transport operators in transitioning to cleaner energy.
“The political will is here. What we need now is accessible financing to make this transition a reality for our people,” he said.
Governor Radda commended the Federal Government for initiating the programme, describing it as a clear demonstration of commitment to economic stability and sustainable development.
“This initiative shows that Nigeria is ready to harness its natural resources for the direct benefit of its people. Katsina will not only support this vision but lead its implementation,” he affirmed.
Representing Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, described the project as a strategic economic intervention to improve transport efficiency and stabilise costs.
He noted that rising transportation costs have continued to drive inflation, particularly through increased food prices and logistics expenses nationwide.
“This transition is not just an energy policy; it is an economic strategy aimed at reducing costs and strengthening long-term growth,” he said.
The Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Presidential Initiative on CNG and Electric Vehicles, Ismaeel Ahmed, stated that the programme has evolved beyond cushioning the effects of fuel subsidy removal to building a sustainable transport ecosystem.
He explained that the initiative has expanded across several states through the establishment of conversion centres, refuelling infrastructure, and workforce training programmes.
According to him, over 300 conversion partners have been deployed nationwide, including 41 centres in Kano alone, while more than 7,000 Nigerians have been trained under the scheme.
Ahmed also revealed that the programme has attracted over $2 billion in investment commitments, with Kano identified as a key commercial and logistics hub for Northern Nigeria.
He added that the initiative is guided by three core principles—affordability, availability, and acceptability—ensuring that Nigerians can convert their vehicles without excessive financial burden.
Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, welcomed the development, describing it as a timely intervention that would reduce transport costs and improve living standards.
He noted that Kano’s strategic role in commerce and transportation positions it as a natural hub for clean mobility expansion.