By Taiwo Scholarstica
The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has reached an agreement with the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative to boost the number of CNG filling stations across Kogi State.
The move follows complaints from commercial transport operators over a worsening shortage of compressed natural gas, which has disrupted transport services and increased operational costs for drivers and commuters.
In a statement from her media office on Monday, members of the Kogi Central Tricycle Network said the shortage had created long queues at the only CNG station serving the area. They said the situation was affecting their earnings and causing delays in daily operations.
The operators appealed for urgent government intervention, noting that the single facility could no longer cope with rising demand from commercial riders who have switched to the Federal Government’s CNG initiative.
Acting on their concerns, Akpoti-Uduaghan engaged officials of the Presidential CNG Initiative to find a solution to the supply challenge.
She disclosed that she had spoken with the initiative’s chairman, Ismaeel Ahmed, who assured her that more CNG stations would soon be established across the state.
According to her, the expansion plan is already being worked on to close the supply gap and improve access to CNG.
Ahmed also confirmed the development, saying plans were underway to expand infrastructure in Kogi through partnerships with private investors.
He explained that the state’s strategic location, strong transport activity and connection to the Ajaokuta gas hub make it suitable for further investment in gas distribution.
The Federal Government has been promoting CNG as a cheaper and cleaner alternative to petrol under its energy transition programme aimed at easing transport costs following the removal of fuel subsidy.
Transport operators and residents in Kogi have welcomed the planned expansion, saying it will help reduce scarcity and improve mobility across the state.