Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has unveiled the first Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) station in the state, describing the project as a historic step toward energy security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.

Governor Radda made the declaration during the inauguration of the Greenville LNG–CNG Hub Station, noting that the project reflects the fulfillment of campaign promises and demonstrates governance focused on impact, accountability, and visible results.

“Today’s event is historic for our state. The commissioning of the first CNG station in Katsina is a clear demonstration that our promises to the people are being translated into real projects that will improve their lives,” the Governor said.

He explained that his administration’s agenda is built on key priorities, including security, economic revitalisation, human capital development, and sustainable growth, with energy placed at the centre of these objectives.

“Energy is the backbone of security, productivity, and economic growth. Reliable power is essential for businesses, public services, and communities. That is why power and energy remain central to our development agenda,” he stated.

Governor Radda noted that the Greenville gas hub forms part of the state’s broader energy diversification strategy, combining clean fuels with renewable energy solutions in a balanced approach that promotes affordability, reliability, and environmental responsibility.

“This project supports our energy transition agenda and positions Katsina as a forward-looking state that embraces cleaner and more efficient energy solutions,” he added.

He highlighted several major power and energy interventions undertaken by his administration, including the hybridisation of the state wind farm with solar photovoltaic systems and battery energy storage, as well as the deployment of solar mini-grids and stand-alone solar systems in rural communities, markets, and public institutions.

The Governor also disclosed investments in battery energy storage to improve grid stability, alongside the procurement and installation of transformers to strengthen electricity distribution, reduce outages, and support industrial and commercial growth.

“These projects are designed to unlock economic opportunities, empower small and medium-scale enterprises, and improve the quality of life of our people,” he said.

Governor Radda stressed that the administration’s energy initiatives are people-centred, with strong emphasis on job creation, skills development, and local content participation, particularly for youths.

He further assured investors that the state government is positioning Katsina as an attractive destination for responsible investment, with strong commitments to transparency, safety, and accountability.

“Our goal is to build a secure, productive, and climate-conscious state where both citizens and investors can thrive,” he said.

Earlier, the Chairman of Greenville LNG, Mr. Eddy Van den Broeke, represented by Mr. Joseph Adewale Oyadoyin, a Director in Greenville LNG Co. Ltd., congratulated Governor Radda and his team on the successful delivery of the project.

He described the commissioning of the Greenville LNG–CNG Hub Station as evidence of the governor’s commitment to lasting development, noting that the project originated from the governor’s visit to the company’s facility in Kaduna on 6 January 2024.

“The state government provided the land promptly, demonstrating a strong ease-of-doing-business environment. As a result, the station was completed and delivered in record time,” he said.

He noted that the facility is the first LNG–CNG station in Katsina and will supply affordable CNG and LNG to citizens, transporters, institutions, and businesses, while also creating employment opportunities for residents.

The Greenville representative added that the project aligns with the Federal Government’s Presidential Initiative on CNG, which aims to provide cleaner, safer, and more affordable fuel across the country, while enhancing energy security and reducing carbon emissions.

He thanked Katsina State ministries and agencies, as well as regulators and partners, including the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, the Federal Ministry of Industries, NARTO, NURTW, and various tricycle associations for their support.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Power and Energy, Hafiz Ahmed, described the commissioning as proof that vision can be translated into reality through commitment and strong public–private partnerships.

He noted that Nigeria holds about 206 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves, the largest in Africa and the eighth largest globally, adding that the Federal Government has declared 2030 as the “Year of Gas” to maximise the resource for national development.

Hafiz explained that most of the country’s gas reserves are located in the southern region, but the state government is committed to ensuring that the benefits of gas development reach all parts of the country.

“Our focus is on using gas for power generation, transportation, and industrialisation, because gas development will drive multi-sector economic growth,” he said.

The event attracted government officials, including the Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir; local government chairmen; members of the Katsina State Executive Council; industry stakeholders; transport unions; regulators; community leaders; and business representatives.