NDDC Signs MoU to Implement Presidential CNG Initiative in Niger Delta
The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at implementing the Compressed Natural Gas Initiative policy in the Niger Delta region.
The agreement was signed at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt by NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, and PCNGI Programme Director, Michael Oluwagbemi. Dr. Ogbuku emphasized that the initiative is crucial to the country’s development, particularly in light of the economic challenges following the fuel subsidy removal.
He noted that the Compressed Natural Gas Initiative policy would provide significant benefits by creating jobs and fostering local technology transfers for youths and women as this would include supporting industries such as auto manufacturing, retrofitting, and the development of gas distribution and production infrastructure. At the opening of a new CNG conversion and training center in Rumuokwuta, Port Harcourt, Ogbuku highlighted the initiative’s potential to transform the Niger Delta into the hub for CNG technicians in the country.
Michael Oluwagbemi, speaking at the event, underscored the importance of embracing CNG to stimulate investments in Nigeria’s gas market, ultimately expanding the economy and increasing government revenue. He stressed that the Presidential CNG Initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of utilizing the country’s gas resources, especially in Rivers State, which is rich in natural gas. The initiative aims to reduce transportation costs by promoting the use of affordable, underutilized gas alternatives, with a target of training 10,000 professionals by 2027.
The traditional ruler of Rumuokwuta, Eze Michael Chinda, expressed gratitude for the development brought by the new training center in his community. He highlighted the peace-loving nature of the area and appealed to the NDDC for support in completing the community’s civic center. Additionally, the monarch thanked the Commission for providing solar street lights, contributing to the area’s ongoing development.
