CNG: Gov’ Ododo Declares Readiness to making Kogi centre for CNG infrastructures.
ATABOR JULIUS LOKOJA
Kogi state Governor Alhaji Usman Ododo has declared the readiness of the state to become the hub of CNG infrastructures in the country.
He appealed to the Federal Government to consider the state for the establishment of conversion points across the state.
Governor Ododo made the call on Tuesday when the state Government in collaboration with Automotive Gas Nigeria Limited (Autogas) held stakeholders forum in Lokoja.
The Governor who was represented by the Secretary to Government of the state, Mrs Folashade Ayoade Arike noted that the state which is located in the centre of the country and bordered by Ten states and the FCT possessed valuable advantages to be the CNG conversion hub for the geopolitical zones of the country.
He assured the government of his readiness to provide conducive environment for the the success of the programme.
While calling for the immediate establishment of conversion centres across the state to service neighbouring states who Criss cross kogi to the Northern and Southern states to ease the sufferings of the vehicles owners who needs to go to Abuja or Lagos state to access the facilities.
Speaking at the event, the commissioner for Transportation, Atuluku Victor Levi stated that kogi state is ready to offer business friendly environment and a prime location for the CNG service points making her an attractive destination for profitable returns on major CNG infrastructures..
He said the state is opened to investment arrangement stressing that a well structured partnership wil yield significant returns on investment to the state and the investors.
According to him , the state is not only investment in clean energy through CNG infrastructures, but also invest in job creation for the teeming youths.
He added that the state like many states in the country is faced with the challenges of reduction of green house emissions, however, the state is working hard to mitigate environmental degradation posed by fossil fuels driven vehicles.
” As part of a global movement towards sustainable Transportation solutions, the adoption of CNG as alternative fuels present an opportunity to significantly reduce greenhouse emissions, improve air quality and promote energy efficiency
„The benefits of CNG are manifolds. It is a cleaner , more environmentally friendly fuel that helps to reduce carbon footprints. It also offers economic advantages by reducing fuel crisis and fostering energy independence. By encouraging CNG we are taking a significant steps towards achieving environmental goals and ensuring a healthier future for the people” He disclosed.
While commending Governor Usman Ododo for the enabling environment for the CNG infrastructures to be located in the state , called on the stakeholders and AutoGas Nigeria Limited to avail the opportunities that the state provides to bring their investment to the state.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director and Chief Executive officer, AutoGas Nigeria Limited, Hajiya Maryam Ibrahim explained that the vision of the company is to lead the widespread adoption of CNG as an alternative fuel and aiming to reduce emissions, conserve resources and promote economic sustainability across Nigeria.
She disclosed that the company has been in the forefront in the CNG training and consultancy services supporting the transition to cleaner and more efficient automotive industry with the knowledge, skills and infrastructure needed to make the switch to sustainable energy solutions.
The MD said, the company has so far trained over 1000 NIgerians on Autogas installation and working with various stakeholders and has farmed Green Clean energy and gas practitioners Association of Nigeria.
” To promote our strategic work in the Auto Gas CNG sector , we created the Autogas Nigeria workshop Affiliate Programme to bring together workshop owner,promoting their manpower and business development through training and AutoGas CNG conversion..
While pledging the company’s commitment to helping Nigeria and NIgerians to embrace cleaner and more sustainable Automotive fuel solutions, promised to offer technical and consultation services on how to transit to CNG usage , reduce environmental footprint and enjoy substantial cost savings.
