BY Dyepkazah Shibayan
President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated an all-in-one compressed natural gas (CNG) centre established by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) in collaboration with Portland Gas Limited.
The centre would train technicians and engineers, among others, to gain advanced knowledge of CNG technologies.
In August 2023, Tinubu said his administration would invest N100 billion to acquire 3,000 units of 20-seater buses powered by CNG.
Speaking at the event on Friday, Tinubu, represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, said his administration would support private initiatives in the rollout of the CNG programme.
“Our administration’s presidential initiative on compressed natural gas (PiCNG) is a flagship programme through which we are actively supporting a private-sector-led rollout of critical gas infrastructure to drive innovation and industrialization in Nigeria,” the president said.
“It is also a major contribution to our vision of fully harnessing Nigeria’s immense gas resources as a transition fuel on the journey to net zero, as envisaged by our Energy Transition Plan (ETP).
“Let me say that we are equally focused on the full range of energy options for powering the Nigerian transport sector. So in addition to gas, electric vehicles are a major part of our overall strategy.”
Speaking with reporters after the launch, Folajimi Mohammed, chief executive officer (CEO) of Portland Gas, said CNG is a viable alternative to petrol.
“Portland Gas’s partnership with NASENI is a testament to how the government and private sector can leverage expertise, innovation, and creativity, which marks a significant step forward in our mission to champion the natural gas initiative in Nigeria,” Mohammed said.
“Natural gas, particularly CNG, offers a sustainable and economically viable alternative to traditional petroleum products.
“With Nigeria’s vast natural gas reserves, estimated at over 200 trillion cubic feet, we are in a steadfast position to lead this transformation.
“The NASENI-Portland partnership aims to harness these resources efficiently, advancing technological innovation and infrastructure development in the natural gas sector.”
Mohammed said Tinubu is well on track to bring down the cost of transportation in the country.
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