By Moses Akaigwe
•President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio (right) flanked by the Executive Vice Chairman, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, Khalil Halilu, cutting the tape to commission the NASENI CNG Reverse Engineering Centre, Abuja. Behind the Senate President is the MD of Dana Motors, Jacky Hathiramani.
In a significant step towards advancing automotive technology and sustainability, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday in Abuja commissioned the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) Kia Portland facility for Kia Hybrid and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles.
Represented at the ceremony by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, President Tinubu directed federal ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to patronise NASENI’s technologies and products, including Portland generators and Kia vehicles, in order to promote made-in-Nigeria goods and reduce importation.
•A Kia car powered by CNG
On behalf of the President, Akpabio commissioned the NASENI-Portland Kia CNG conversion, filling, reverse engineering and training centre located inside Kia’s complex in the Utako area of Abuja.
President Bola Tinubu, who doubles as Chairman, NASENI Governing Board, said he is aware that the agency is in collaboration with private sector players in the commercialisation of its products.
He noted that the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGi), which NASENI, in conjunction with Kia Motors Nigeria, has keyed into, is the way to tap into Nigeria’s abundant gas resources and to also attain cleaner energy.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NASENI, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, said the facility can convert 15 Kia cars every two hours, translating into an output of 2,700 conversions every month.
He stated further, “Mr. President, by our calculations, if Nigeria is able to have 10 of this kind of Kia facility in each of the 36 States and the FCT, we will be able to convert every vehicle in the country to CNG within one year.”
Halilu urged the President to give NASENI approval to convert all the vehicles in the State House fleet to CNG at the Kia complex in Utsko, saying, “We are asking for your approval to do this, and showcase our capabilities. Second, we are offering to carry out CNG conversions for every ministry, department and agency of the Federal Government at a cost.”
NASENI has an exclusive partnership with Portland Gas and Kia Motors nationwide for CNG conversion centres.
To the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Halilu said NASENI is willing to make available to its contractors agency’s CNG generators, for the purpose of test-running the lighting project on Bill Clinton Drive (the highway leading to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport) to encourage them purchase the Agency’s streetlights for the project
With the commissioning, the facility is set to become a hub for Kia Hybrid and CNG conversion, filling, reverse engineering, and training services.
Earlier in his comments ahead of the commissioning ceremony, Jacky Hathiramani, Managing Director of Dana Motors (producers of Kia vehicles in Nigeria), lauded this facility as a groundbreaking moment for Nigeria’s energy and automotive sectors.
Hathiramani emphasised Kia’s dedication to providing Nigerians with innovative, eco-friendly, and cost-effective automotive solutions.
Kia Motors said it recognises the transformative potential of CNG vehicles in public transportation, stating that the company’s aim is to improve the overall quality of life for Nigerians.
From CNG generators to the conversion centre, electric vehicle charging system, auto conversion, and the training academy, the facility embodies a holistic approach to alternative energy solutions.
This initiative is poised to substantially contribute to cleaner air, a healthier environment, and a commitment to sustainable innovation while fostering the growth of indigenous technological and manufacturing capabilities.
Jacky further said, “Dana Motors has been at the forefront of providing innovative automotive solutions to the Nigerian market since its inception. Since we started assembly operations in 2014, where we have an installed capacity of assembling 18,000 units annually, our commitment to local content and job creation has been unwavering. Together, we strive for excellence in providing top-notch products and services to our customers.”