Ekpo commissions 5.2m CNG Plant
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) Rt. Hon. EkperikpeEkpo has commissioned a 5.2m Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) plant in Lagos.
Speaking, Ekpo said the occasion, under the theme “From Gas to Prosperity: CNG for All”, represents a critical turning point in the development of affordable, sustainable, and secure energy sources in the country.
The Minister described 2024 as a historic year for Nigerians, stressing that through his courageous decision to eliminate fuel subsidies and promote the acceptability and broader use of LPG, President Bola Tinubu has brought about several fresh beginnings in the lives of Nigerians.
“Although the elimination of the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) subsidy has brought difficulties, it has also given us a once-in-a-lifetime chance to invent and adopt more economical, efficient, and sustainable energy alternatives,” the Minister stated.
Ekpo noted that the use of CNG as a transport fuel is a mature technology used globally as it is the cleanest burning fuel in terms of Nitro-oxide and soot emissions. While it can be employed to power passenger cars and city buses, CNG passenger vehicles emit 5-10% less CO2 than comparable gasoline powered passenger vehicles, the Minister added.
Ekpo said more of the stations will be replicated across commercial centres in the six geopolitical zones of the country.
The project is a partnership between the NNPC Gas Marketing and Transit Gas Nigeria Limited (TGNL) and Ekpo thanked the two companies for supporting the objective of utilizing the country’s abundant natural gas resources to accelerate economic development and growth.
According to him, what the two firms did was in line with the President Bola Tinubu’s “From Gas to Prosperity: Renewed Hope” programme.
The Minister informed the gathering that the Federal Government will continue to innovate and invest in requisite infrastructure that will allow Nigerians to get full benefit of its gas resource.
“As the Nation continues to take giant strides in the adoption of CNG as a sustainable alternative to PMS and AGO, we are resolute to bring the benefits of CNG adoption closer to the Nigerian people, and projects like this are major milestones in achieving this objective,” said Ekpo.
“By harnessing the potential of our natural gas resources, we are not only driving economic growth but also paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future for all Nigerians,” he added.
Ekpo who described CNG as a cheaper, cleaner, more eco-friendly, and safer source of fuel than traditional liquid fuels, noted that its usage will enhance the nation’s efforts to meet its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) obligations to the Paris Climate Change Agreement.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide SanyaOlu, in his speech at the event described the CNG project as an important and strategic investment by the NNPC.
The governor said CNG powered vehicles offered cleaner and cheaper source of fuel, especially when viewed against the backdrop of the removal of subsidy on PMS.
He announced that the Lagos State government would be purchasing over 2,000 brand new CNG buses to refleet its public transport system, while converting no fewer than 2,500 vehicles to run on the gas.
Group Chief executive officer (GCEO) of NNPCL, Malam Mele Kyari said the CNG project would bring succor to motorists all over the country.
He said investment in the project was an obligation for NNPCL in line with provisions in the PIA which demanded the promotion and utilisation of gas and the creation of economic prosperity to Nigerians.
