Katsina Set to Emerge Northern Clean Energy Hub

Katsina State is positioning itself as a major hub for compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure in northern Nigeria following a strategic partnership with the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG & EV).

This followed a high-level meeting between Governor Dikko Umaru Radda and a delegation led by the Executive Director of Pi-CNG & EV, Ismaeel Ahmed, during a courtesy and working visit to the Government House on Friday.

During the engagement, the Pi-CNG & EV team unveiled plans to deploy CNG conversion kits, establish refuelling and maintenance centres, and build local technical capacity across the state, in line with the energy transition agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Katsina is strategically positioned. With your government’s support, it can become one of the northern hubs for cleaner transport solutions and a clear example of how national programmes can translate into household benefits for citizens,” Ahmed said during the meeting.

Under the proposed collaboration, Katsina is expected to benefit from the establishment of standard CNG refuelling stations, vehicle conversion centres, EV charging infrastructure, and a modern CNG/EV hub along the Funtua–Sokoto corridor.

The initiative also includes plans to train about 500 youths as certified CNG technicians, aimed at creating employment opportunities and strengthening capacity in the emerging clean energy sector.

Conversion centres are to be located in Katsina, Daura, and Funtua, while EV charging points will be deployed along major transport routes.

The project is expected to position the state as a key northern hub after Kano, particularly along the Funtua–Gusau–Sokoto corridor.

Governor Radda expressed strong backing for the initiative, announcing plans to procure 3,000 electric motorcycles for rural teachers and 1,500 electric tricycles to improve mobility and stimulate economic activities across communities.

Commending the governor’s grasp of the initiative, Ahmed said, “I was particularly impressed by the Governor’s depth of understanding of the CNG and EV ecosystem, not just within Nigeria but globally. It is always refreshing to engage with leadership that is forward-thinking and already aligned with the direction of travel.”

Radda assured the delegation of the state government’s full support, noting the urgency of adopting alternative energy solutions amid rising petrol and diesel costs affecting residents.

As part of the visit, the delegation, alongside the governor, toured Greenville’s newly commissioned gas station, described as a significant boost to the state’s energy infrastructure.

The partnership is expected to strengthen state-federal collaboration and accelerate implementation of clean transport initiatives, with a focus on reducing transportation costs and expanding job opportunities for youths in Katsina State.