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PCNGi: FG proposes 1m gas-powered vehicles by 2027 – project director

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The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi) says the Federal Government plans to put one million gas-powered vehicles on the road by 2027.

PCNGi’s Chief Executive Officer and Project Director, Mr Michael Oluwagbemi, made this known in a statement on Friday, after hosting the first-ever Compressed Natural Gas Stakeholders and Investors’ forum.

Oluwagbemi, who spoke on “A Comprehensive Overview of Nigeria’s CNG Ecosystem”, highlighted specific milestones among the bold vision and objectives of the CNG initiative.

“The Federal Government’s ambitious plan to put one million gas-powered vehicles on the road by 2027 means an average annual rate of 250,000 vehicle conversions per year.

“Other plans include the establishment of 40,000 auto gas conversion workshops and the creation of 750,000 jobs by 2027, across the emerging CNG value chain,” he said.

He said that the forum reinforced Nigeria’s suitability and commitment to transiting to a more efficient and sustainable gas-powered economy.

According to him, the high-power forum with the theme “Nigeria’s CNG Revolution: Harnessing Opportunities for a Sustainable Future”, featured presentations, panel discussions, exhibition and networking, among the attendees.

He said that the participants comprised key figures, critical stakeholders, indigenous and international experts in both public and private sectors, spanning across the energy, transportation, finance, and environment value chain.

“The occasion, among others, enabled stakeholders and investors the opportunity to assess the potentials of Nigeria’s CNG industry; evaluate the government’s ongoing efforts in advancing CNG as a sustainable fuel alternative for the nation.

“It was to also examine the regulatory framework vis-à-vis international best practices; and explore the economic opportunities that abound in the sub-sector in the committed transitioning to a gas-powered mobility system in the coming years,” he said.

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The PCNGi boss, who is an engineer, noted that given the characteristics of CNG and its benefits as a cheaper fuel, the strategic vision guiding the initiative was to alleviate the cost of living for Nigerians.

He said that CNG will significantly reduce the cost of transportation and ultimately improve the standard of living with a cleaner and safer fuel.

Oluwagbemi said: “In all of these, our strategic objectives are very clear: How do we reduce the cost of transportation for the common man? How do we make Nigeria’s gas work for him or her?

“How do we ensure that this gas working for Nigeria, gives Nigeria an economic advantage?”

Speaking further to the viability of the framework that was adopted by PCNGi for the implementation of the CNG initiative, Oluwagbemi stated the comprehensive approach covering the industry’s demand and supply sides.

He added: “We’re not just focusing on conversion centres but also incentivising investment on the supply side, taking an end-to-end approach.”

He mentioned specific collaborations with the Gas Aggregation Company of Nigeria (GACN) and its partners to ensure sufficiency on the upstream side.

According to Oluwagbemi, the initiative is actively engaging the organised commercial transport operators’ network to integrate six million commercial vehicles into the CNG ecosystem.

Also, Toyin Subair, another member of the PCNGi, corroborated the economic advantage of Nigeria adopting CNG as an alternative fuel and reaffirmed that the transition is for the betterment of every Nigerian and the nation as an economy.

Subair said: “The good thing about this initiative is that we don’t need to subsidise or buy imported petrol.

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“We (Nigeria) have our own gas here, and the 6 million commercial vehicles (that will be converted) are ours.

“If we dive into this commercial opportunity, we’ll bring down the cost of transportation for the average Nigerians.”

On his part, Dr Armstrong Takang, CEO of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), and member of the PCNGi Steering Committee, emphasised the crucial aspect of training engineers to implement the programme successfully.

“A major part of this programme is to train as many engineers as possible who are qualified and certified.

“Then, monitor them in terms of their practice, specifically focusing on the safety of gas-powered vehicles.

“This commitment to training and safety will ensure a robust foundation for the expansion and sustainability of the CNG ecosystem in Nigeria,” Takang said.

Dr Mohammed El-Gawish, an International CNG Expert and one of the panelists, validated the potential and feasibility of Nigeria’s CNG initiative.

Drawing parallels with the success of a similar initiative in Egypt in just two and a half years, El-Gawish commended Nigeria’s plans and action points.

He said, “The roadmap or the action plans that are put in place are all very promising.”

Meanwhile, addressing concerns about converting vehicles to CNG, Oluwagbemi reassured Nigerians that costs would be minimal with emphasis on affordability.

According to him, this is to underscore the government’s commitment to ensuring that the benefits of the CNG revolution are accessible to a broad spectrum of the population.

The PCNGI boss said that it would also to foster economic inclusivity and inspire a quicker and more comprehensive transition to a CNG-powered transportation landscape.

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“Other highlights of the forum included a virtual and physical exhibition; panel discussions on “Navigating the CNG Ecosystem in Nigeria; The Gas Potential; from Pricing to Availability; and International Perspectives on Regulatory Best Practices,”(NAN)

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P-CNGi, LNG Arete sign pact for $27.3m gas plant project

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The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNGi) and LNG Arete Ltd. on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on $27.3 million gas plant project to boost CNG infrastructure investment, expansion and availability.

The Programme Director/Chief Executive Officer, P-CNGi, Mr Michael Oluwagbemi, said the partnership aimed at constructing a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plant with a processing capacity of seven million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD).

The P-CNGi (investing six million dollars) is co-investing alongside the LNG Arete (investing $12 million) and the Midstream Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund, under the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

Oluwagbemi said the project, which would employ over 100 Nigerians, would accelerate CNG infrastructure development in the north, securing a 25 per cent equity stake in LNG Arete’s seven MSCFD mini LNG facility located in Ajaokuta, Kogi state.

According to him, the project which will become operational in the next 12 to 16 months, will establish a critical supply hub for CNG across Northern Nigeria, and beyond.

He said it would ensure stable cost-competitive CNG supply for industry and residential users in the north which was underserved.

Oluwagbemi said due to increasing demands to access gas for transportation and industrialisation, the President was determined to bring affordable transportation programmes by leveraging abundant gas resources and boost steady supply to the end users.

“Gas is cheaper, it is safer, and more reliable.

“Of course, the previous administration and this administration have been committed to moving gas from the region where it is primarily produced today, which is the southern part of the country, to the rest of the country.

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“That is why the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) and its partners have been investing in the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline.

“From the producing fields, the project will focus on a liquefaction plant and implant storage at Ajaokuta, and eventual pipeline trucks which will be able to move gas over further distances across the north of Nigeria,’’ he assured.

He said the LNG which would be transformed to CNG could be utilised by our power plants, as well as our vehicles and other industries, boosting industrialisation.

The P-CNGi boss said many industries across the north, ranging from textile, agriculture, processing to manufacturing, would benefit hugely from the project.

“The logistics, of course, of moving goods and food items from the north down to the south, especially, processed and manufactured products, will also be cheaper because of this project.

“And even more importantly, is that even when the north gets piped by natural gas in a few years’ time, this plant is still going to be very critical to enable LNG trucks that run more efficiently on LNG, even better than CNG.

“Those LNG trucks will begin to move Nigerian products from Nigeria to Ghana, and to Senegal, ensuring Nigerian products are very competitive and creating jobs,’’ he said.

Also speaking, Hajara Pitan, Project Director, LNG Arete, expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, the management of P-CNGi and other enablers that ensured the reality of the agreement.

“A major reason for the lack of development of the gas sector has been the fact that infrastructure and gas is expensive, but with the mini LNG technology, we’re able to participate as Nigerians in this sector in a major way.

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“Our aim is clear in LNG Arete to support the Federal Government in deepening gas utilisation across Nigeria, and especially in the underserved regions of northern Nigeria.

“LNG is liquefied natural gas, and so what that means is that we take gas from where it originates, we liquefy it by reducing the quantity and allow it to move around more easily,’’ she said. (NAN)

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Cross River ND-PYLF accuses governor Otu of neglecting youths

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The Cross River State chapter of the Niger Delta Progressive Youth Leadership Foundation (ND-PYLF), has criticized Governor Bassey Otu for failing to fulfill his promises to the youth since the beginning of his first term in office.

ND-PYLF lamented the absence of sustainable initiatives that could equip young people with skills, employment, or entrepreneurial support.

The secretary, Engr. Sunday Odey Ogbudu and spokesperson, Wilfred Ekawu, in a statement, expressed disappointment over what it described as the governor’s lack of commitment to youth development, job creation, and empowerment programs.

They said: “Governor Otu came into office with promises of a brighter future for the youth, but so far, there has been little to no progress. Unemployment remains high, and opportunities for young people are scarce. His administration has not prioritized youth empowerment as expected.

“We had high hopes that his leadership would usher in a new era of youth inclusiveness in governance and economic development, but what we see today is neglect and a failure to engage the youth meaningfully.”

The group urged the governor to reassess his administration’s approach and implement concrete policies that would benefit the younger generation before the situation worsens.

“The youth are the backbone of Cross River’s future, and if they are ignored, the state will suffer in the long run. We call on Governor Otu to fulfill his campaign promises and take decisive action toward youth development.”

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Students To Honor Ogun Transport Official ,Olugboyega For Leadership

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The Progressive Students Movement (PSM), Nigeria Chapter, a leading Pan-African student organisation, has announced its intention to honour Engr Ademehin Olugboyega, the State Director of Vehicle Inspection Services at the Ogun State Ministry of Transportation, for his outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to duty.

The announcement was made in a statement issued on Friday by PSM President, Comrade Ambassador Okereafor Bestman, and shared with journalists.

The group praised Engr Olugboyega for his exemplary service, describing him as a hardworking, principled, and compassionate individual with an impeccable reputation.

“PSM strongly believes in recognising individuals who have diligently distinguished themselves in their duties,” the statement read.

“Information at our disposal shows that Engr Ademehin Olugboyega is an uncompromising man of high standards, a true lover of the Most High God, and someone with an unblemished reputation.

“We firmly believe that with more people like him in service, Nigeria will become a better place.”

In recognition of his significant contributions to nation-building, the PSM Nigeria Chapter revealed plans to confer upon Engr Olugboyega the prestigious “Icon of National Development” award.

The accolade is intended to celebrate his exceptional leadership and dedication to improving standards within his field.

The PSM, known for its advocacy on behalf of students and its promotion of progressive ideals across Africa, stated that the award would be formally bestowed in the near future, underscoring its commitment to spotlighting role models in Nigerian society.

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