North Deserves Equity In CNG Development – Ali

A concerned indigene of Bauchi State, Comrade Samaila Ali Bauchi, has called on the federal government to expedite action on the establishment of additional compressed natural gas (CNG) conversion centers across the North in the interest of justice and equity.

Speaking to our correspondent I Bauchi yesterday, Samaila drew the attention of the minister of petroleum resources, the Federal Ministry of Energy and other relevant agencies to what he described as a pressing issue regarding the uneven development of CNG infrastructure in Nigeria.

He commended the federal government for launching the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGi) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for championing the transition to cleaner and more efficient fuel options. However, he expressed concern about the noticeable regional imbalance in the current rollout of CNG conversion centers.

“The current list of 45 approved CNG conversion centers reveals a notable absence of facilities in several states within the Arewa region. This oversight may hinder the equitable adoption of CNG technology and restrict access to cleaner energy for residents of Northern Nigeria,” he lamented.

According to him, the establishment of more CNG conversion centers in the North will promote inclusive development, drive adoption of cleaner energy, and contribute to a sustainable energy future for the country.

Comrade Samaila further emphasised that more CNG centers would encourage Nigerians to transit from traditional fuels, thereby reducing environmental pollution and dependence on fossil fuels.

He also noted that CNG development can stimulate economic growth, generate employment, and attract new investments to the region.

He urged the federal government to prioritise and consider the establishment of CNG centers in Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto in the North West zone; and Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe in the North East; as well as in Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau in the North Central.