CNG Conversion Centres Increase From 7 To 300 – PCNGi Coordinator

The Project Director of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi), Michael Oluwagbemi, says Nigeria has increased its compressed natural gas, CNG, conversion centers from seven to 300 across 24 states of the Federation

Speaking during an investigative hearing in Abuja by the House Ad-Hoc Committee on the Implementation of the CNG Policy Chaired by Ahmed Jaha, Mr Oluwagbemi said the initiative is also partnering various sectors to convert vehicles to CNG at no cost.

He emphasized the initiative’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption, noting that two staff members had recently been dismissed for misconduct.

The project director appealed to lawmakers for additional funding to expand conversions and assured the committee that the remaining states not yet covered will soon benefit.

He also noted that more young people are being trained under the program as the second phase approaches.

On his part, the Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas) Ekperikpe Ekpo said that the federal government has put plans in place to build more CNG centres nationwide.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Vitalis Ibe,
Ekpo said the adoption of CNG would help address climate change and reduce emissions, describing the alternative fuel as cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

Also at the hearing, Executive Vice President for Gas at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, Lekan Ogunleye, noted that previous attempts to introduce CNG in Nigeria failed.

He praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for successfully implementing the policy.

“The backbone infrastructure for this project is already on the ground,” Ogunleye said, adding that the NNPCL had designated a focal person to liaise with potential investors and is offering up to 50% discount for conversions.

Transport unions and other stakeholders commended the initiative and urged the government to ensure it reaches all 36 states.

They also attested to the safety of using CNG as a fuel alternative.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji