Motorists and Keke riders in Asaba have expressed a sigh of relief as the first auto Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) filling station was inaugurated in Asaba and Warri.
The CNG stations built by a private company in collaboration with the Delta State Government have long been expected by motorists and Keke riders who said they have been experiencing tough times buying fuel at high prices.
At the inauguration ceremony, Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, expressed the commitment of the state government to collaborating with private investors who want to establish their CNG buses and conversion centres in the state.
Governor Oborevworri represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu remarked that the government was determined to have as many CNG filling stations in the state by supporting ventures aimed at bringing down the cost of fueling vehicles and transportation costs.
He gave an assurance that the newly established filling stations will also serve as conversion centres apart from selling CNG products.
Delta State Commissioner for Transport, Onoriode Agofure expressed delight for being part of the success story of the commissioning of the NIPCO GAS Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Station, Asaba and Warri.
While describing the CNG conversion stations as a game-changing solution especially after recent petrol subsidy removal, he said the compressed natural gas provides a more cost-effective alternative to traditional premium motor spirit (petrol), making it a choice for consumers and businesses.
Agofure stated further, ”This signifies our commitment to cleaner air but also a more budget-friendly option for all. The Renewed Hope and More Agenda of this Administration is committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation and environmental responsibility”
The Delta State Commissioner for Transport revealed that the CNG stations in Asaba and Warri have a workshop designed to convert conventional petrol vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), describing the development as a transformation that will not only significantly reduce operating cost for vehicle owners but also contributes to a substantial decrease in carbon emissions.
Continuing, he said, ”This initiative is not a pilot scheme, rather it is an initial roll-out to stimulate the adoption of CNG for transportation in line with the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG) policy on transportation already adopted”
He appreciated NIPCO Gas Ltd. for collaborating with the State Government to achieve the project in the heart of Asaba and Warri within the specified period and with quality of materials deployed to execute the project.
Representative of NIPCO, Victor Attah hinted that the CNG filling stations in Asaba and Warri have a combined dispensing capacity of 40,000 standard cubic metre daily.
He stated that the stations will be able to dispense gas to over two thousand vehicles and tricycles daily
