Natasha secures FG commitment for more CNG stations in Kogi

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has secured a commitment from the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Initiative to establish additional CNG filling stations across Kogi State. This development addresses the growing complaints from commercial transport operators regarding an acute shortage of CNG, which has disrupted transportation activities and increased hardship for both operators and commuters.

The senator's media office reported that operators under the Kogi Central Tricycle Network voiced concerns about the scarcity. They highlighted long queues at the only CNG station serving the area, leading to lost productive hours and reduced earnings. The operators emphasized that the single facility could no longer meet the increasing demand from commercial riders who have adopted the Federal Government's clean energy program.

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My dear friend, Ismaeel Ahmed, who chairs the Presidential CNG Initiative, has assured me that his office is currently facilitating the establishment of several CNG stations across Kogi State. This will help bridge the supply gap and address the current scarcity.

In response to these challenges, Akpoti-Uduaghan engaged with the leadership of the Presidential CNG Initiative. She discussed the matter with Chairman Ismaeel Ahmed, who assured her that efforts are underway to establish more CNG stations in Kogi State. "My dear friend, Ismaeel Ahmed, who chairs the Presidential CNG Initiative, has assured me that his office is currently facilitating the establishment of several CNG stations across Kogi State. This will help bridge the supply gap and address the current scarcity," the senator stated.

Ahmed confirmed the planned expansion, noting that arrangements are being finalized to increase CNG infrastructure in the state through private sector partnerships. He pointed to Kogi's strategic position, including the Ajaokuta gas hub and its role as a major transportation corridor, as reasons for prioritizing investment in gas distribution infrastructure. The Federal Government is promoting CNG as a cheaper and cleaner alternative to petrol, aiming to cushion the impact of fuel subsidy removal and reduce transportation costs.

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Kogi State is home to the Ajaokuta gas hub, and because of its strategic location, heavy traffic volume and importance as a major transportation corridor, we will be bringing more gas stations along that route.