… Tinubu makes another first with energy conversion centre in Abuja
Babajide FADOJU
Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative Launches Abuja CNG Conversion and Training Center for Sustainable Energy Future in Nigeria
The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNGi) reached a milestone by inaugurating the Abuja CNG conversion and training center, marking a crucial step toward fostering a sustainable energy future in Nigeria.
Dr. Bayero Farah, the Director-General (D-G) of the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), played a pivotal role in overseeing the establishment of the center, symbolizing a strategic move in the nation’s energy transformation journey.
Zacch Adedeji, the Chairman of the Presidential CNG Initiative Steering Committee, underscored the importance of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in slashing transportation costs. Adedeji highlighted that Nigeria annually expends $6 billion on petroleum imports, creating financial strain and foreign exchange instability.
“At times, it’s baffling for us at the Presidential CNG Initiative Steering Committee to comprehend why Nigeria has been consistently reliant on imported petrol for vehicles when we have abundant natural gas domestically,” Adedeji expressed. “Using gas to power our vehicles would cost one-third of the current expenditure and eliminate foreign exchange dependency, while concurrently generating employment opportunities.”
The transition from Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to CNG in the transportation sector promises substantial savings for Nigeria. Adedeji estimated potential savings ranging from $3 to $5 billion, presenting a significant opportunity for economic conservation and growth within the next 3 to 5 years.
The launch of the Abuja CNG conversion and training center stands as a significant advancement towards Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in energy and a pivotal leap towards a greener and economically prudent future.
This groundbreaking initiative heralds a paradigm shift in the country’s energy consumption, poised to not only generate substantial cost savings but also create job opportunities while steering the nation towards energy independence and sustainability.
The Abuja conversion center is one of the four already operational facilities in the country. The number is poised to steadily rise.