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The Federal Government is set to establish a major Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and electric vehicle (EV) hub in Katsina State, in a move aimed at accelerating Nigeria’s clean energy transport transition, expanding conversion infrastructure, and creating jobs for young Nigerians.
The planned hub, which will be located along the Funtua corridor, forms part of the broader Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi) and is expected to serve as a strategic centre for vehicle conversion, technical training, and clean mobility logistics in Northern Nigeria.
This was disclosed during a meeting at Government House, Katsina, where Governor Dikko Umaru Radda received a delegation led by PCNGi Executive Chairman, Barrister Ismail Ahmed.
Ahmed said the project will include multiple conversion centres and structured technical training for about 500 youths, positioning Katsina as a major player in the Federal Government’s gas-powered and electric transport agenda.
According to him, the initiative is designed not only to reduce dependence on petrol-powered transport but also to create employment opportunities, strengthen technical capacity, and improve access to lower-cost mobility solutions.
Katsina emerges as strategic clean transport hub
Ahmed explained that Katsina was selected as the first state for this level of engagement because of Governor Radda’s early support for the initiative and the state’s growing commitment to alternative energy transport systems.
He added that a significant share of the 100,000 vehicle conversion kits being deployed nationwide will be allocated to Katsina, alongside the distribution of CNG-powered tricycles and vehicles to support public transportation and commercial operators.
The Funtua corridor was identified as especially important due to its economic relevance and transport connectivity linking Abuja, Kaduna, Gusau, Sokoto and other commercial routes.
State already expanding CNG and EV adoption
Governor Radda said the planned federal hub aligns with Katsina’s own push to modernise transportation under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He noted that the state has already begun converting tricycles, motorcycles and vehicles to CNG and LNG, with early outcomes showing reduced transport costs, improved operator income, and fresh business openings for residents.
According to the governor, rising adoption rates are already visible across the state, especially with the increasing number of electric motorcycles and growing demand seen during the recent commissioning of a CNG station.
To meet this demand, he said the state is constructing an additional CNG station to complement existing infrastructure and is prepared to allocate land for more conversion centres once formal requests are submitted by PCNGi.
Youth training central to expansion plan
A major component of the Katsina hub project is workforce development.
The planned training of 500 youths is expected to focus on vehicle conversion technology, maintenance, installation processes, and other technical services linked to CNG and electric vehicle systems.
This could help build a local talent base capable of sustaining the state’s growing clean transport ecosystem while reducing dependence on external technical expertise.
The initiative also reflects a wider federal strategy to ensure that Nigeria’s energy transition creates jobs rather than simply replacing old fuel systems.
Katsina deepens investment in electric mobility
Governor Radda also disclosed that the state has procured 30 intercity buses, including hybrid and electric models, as part of efforts to modernise mass transit.
In addition, the government has acquired 500 electric tricycles and approved the purchase of 3,000 electric motorcycles for rural teachers to improve mobility, especially in underserved communities.
He said these investments support both climate goals and long-term economic efficiency, noting that electric vehicles are becoming increasingly cost-effective compared with conventional fuel-powered alternatives.
The governor added that his recent visit to China also opened discussions on hybrid vehicle procurement for traditional institutions, signalling broader plans for fleet electrification across sectors.
With the planned federal hub, conversion centres, and youth training rollout, Katsina is positioning itself as one of Nigeria’s emerging centres for clean transport innovation.
