By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the urgent deployment of 100,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion kits within the next two to three weeks, aiming to mitigate the burden of soaring petrol and diesel prices on the Nigerian public.

Ismaeel Ahmed, the Executive Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG), disclosed this to State House correspondents on Tuesday following a briefing with the President in Abuja.

According to Ahmed, the directive was prompted by escalating global petroleum prices linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has led to a sharp increase in domestic transportation costs.

“The President is keenly monitoring global developments, particularly the situation in the Middle East and its direct impact on the rising cost of petrol and diesel here at home,” Ahmed stated. “He summoned this meeting to assess our progress at Pi-CNG and determine how we can rapidly scale up the availability of gas across the country to ensure Nigerians benefit from lower transportation costs.”

Ahmed revealed that Tinubu issued a firm mandate to accelerate the distribution of conversion kits, facilitating a widespread shift from traditional fuels to natural gas.

“Mr. President has given a clear directive for the immediate deployment of approximately 100,000 kits,” Ahmed said. “We are collaborating with a broad coalition of stakeholders to incentivize this process and push these kits into the market without delay. The goal is to convert a significant number of vehicles and tricycles, enabling more citizens to access and utilize gas.”

The Pi-CNG boss confirmed that the rollout is scheduled to begin within the next two to three weeks. He added that conversion centres across the country are expected to become highly active as the programme gains momentum.

Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has relieved the State Head of Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Musa, of his appointment with immediate effect.

This was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Tuesday evening.

The decision is part of the ongoing efforts by the present administration to reposition the state civil service for greater efficiency, discipline, and improved service delivery across all government institutions.

Governor Yusuf expressed appreciation to the outgoing Head of Service for his contributions and dedication to the service of Kano State during his tenure.

“We wish him the best in his future endeavours and pray for his continued success in all aspects of life.”

The Governor also directed that Hajiya Bilkisu Shehu Maimota, the Permanent Secretary, Admin and General Services at the Cabinet Office, to serve in acting capacity pending the appointment of a substantive Head of Service.

By this announcement, the outgoing Head of Service is directed to handover the affairs of the office to the Ag. Head of Service latest tomorrow, Wednesday 11th March, 2026

The Kano State Chapter of the Association of Table Water Producers (ATWAP) has officially announced an upward review of the price of sachet water (popularly known as “pure water”) across the state.

This decision is a direct response to the unsustainable surge in the cost of production materials.

In a statement representing the association, it was disclosed that the price of a bag of sachet water, which was previously sold at N220, has now been adjusted to a minimum of 300 Naira.

This adjustment is necessary to prevent the collapse of the industry, as the cost of essential production materials has increased by two-thirds.

The association highlighted several critical economic challenges, including:

– Printing Film: The price has risen to 3,700 Naira.
– Gas/Fuel: Prices have reached 1,500 Naira per liter.
– Power Supply: The lack of stable electricity has forced factories to rely entirely on expensive generator power.

Despite these financial pressures, the Chairman, Alhaji Ahmad Bala Hudu, has issued a stern warning to all producers against compromising water quality.

The association emphasizes that:
– Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems and water purification standards must be strictly maintained.
– The association is working in collaboration with health authorities to inspect factories.
– Any producer found bypassing health standards will be handed over to the appropriate law enforcement agencies.

The association appeals to the public for understanding and patience during this period, particularly as we are in the holy month of Ramadan.

In a statement issued to newsmen, Anas Idris Hassan, the Public Relations Officer of the association, said the price review is a last-resort measure to ensure that safe drinking water remains available in the state.