The Presidential Compact for Natural Gas Infrastructure (PCNGI) and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at advancing the implementation of the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) policy in the Niger Delta region.
Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, made the announcement during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the PCNGI, led by Programme Director, Engr. Michael Oluwagbemi, at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt.
Ogbuku underscored the critical importance of the CNG initiative to Nigeria’s energy future, noting its alignment with the ongoing efforts of the federal government.
The NDDC chief executive highlighted that the Presidential CNG Initiative was part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s broader strategy to provide relief to Nigerians, particularly in light of the challenges posed by the removal of the fuel subsidy. He pointed out that implementing the CNG policy would not only address fuel challenges but would also create jobs, facilitate local technology transfers, and support the development of key infrastructure in auto manufacturing, retrofitting, and gas distribution.
Ogbuku expressed the NDDC’s strong commitment to the CNG initiative, describing it as a presidential directive that required the highest level of attention and focus. He said, “This groundbreaking event, the first of its kind in the Niger Delta region, is part of our broader effort to establish training centres across the country.”
He further noted that as part of this initiative, training centres would be set up in various parts of the country, with a particular focus on the Niger Delta. “The more we train our youths in energy conversion facilities, the more we can help them become gainfully employed and financially independent. We aim to make the Niger Delta the hub for CNG technicians in Nigeria,” he said.
Dr. Ogbuku also stressed that the NDDC was actively working to establish more facilities dedicated to training youths in the region to transition to CNG as part of the national energy transition strategy. He highlighted that the energy shift would offer Niger Deltans the opportunity to take full advantage of the country’s abundant gas resources.
At the newly opened CNG conversion and training centre in the Rumuokwuta community in Port Harcourt, which is operated by Lapomik Energies, Engr. Michael Oluwagbemi of the PCNGI emphasised the multiple benefits of embracing CNG. He stated that the initiative would attract investments into Nigeria’s underutilised gas market, contribute to the development of sustainable local gas markets, stimulate economic growth, and expand the government’s revenue base.
Oluwagbemi also underscored the importance of collaboration with relevant stakeholders to train technicians and enhance local capabilities in CNG conversion. “The Presidential Initiative on CNG fully embodies President Tinubu’s vision to leverage Nigeria’s vast gas resources for the benefit of the country,” he said.
He further noted that Rivers State, as the home of natural gas, was well-positioned to lead in this transition. “Our primary goal is to reduce transportation costs for Nigerians by utilising the cheaper, abundant gas alternative that is currently underutilised,” Oluwagbemi explained.
The PCNGI Programme Director also outlined the initiative’s training goals, saying, “We began with a pilot phase aimed at training 1,000 auto technicians, engineers, and support staff. By the end of 2024, we aim to have trained 2,500 individuals, with a target of 10,000 trained professionals by 2027.”
The Traditional Ruler of Rumuokwuta, Eze Michael Chinda, expressed his gratitude to the firm operating the conversion and training centre for bringing development to his community. He praised the peace-loving nature of his people and appealed to the NDDC for assistance in completing the community’s civic centre. The monarch also thanked the NDDC for providing solar street lights to the area.
Seledi Thompson-Wakama, Director of Corporate Affairs, NDDC, also attended the event.