Reiterating that it has put in place measures that will propel the compressed natural gas (CNG) project, the Federal Government has stated that it is committed to making sure there is enough gas in the nation.
Olu Verheijen, President Bola Tinubu’s Special Energy Advisor, made this statement at Portland Gas’ groundbreaking ceremony in Lagos. In a statement, Verheijen—who was accompanied by Eriye Onagoruwa—said that the signing was in line with the recently announced Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNGI), which is an effort to transform the transportation sector, lower energy costs, boost economic growth, create a cleaner environment by lowering carbon emissions, and advance energy security by using domestic natural gas resources.
She noted that Portland Gas and the federal government had teamed up through the P-CNGI to create a more economically and environmentally sustainable energy landscape.
She asserted that Portland Gas Green Park was unquestionably a more effective and clean energy source. “The park will enhance our energy independence, diversify our economy, and create new jobs,” she declared. As a result, we will be able to lessen our need on foreign fuels, stabilise energy prices, and accelerate economic growth. It would show the rest of the world that Nigeria is dedicated to combating climate change and creating a future that is cleaner and more resilient.
Ahmed Farouk, the chief executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), added that Portland Gas has been given permission by the federal government to start building CNG conversion sites.
According to him, the action demonstrated the government’s commitment to lowering harmful emissions and large carbon footprints while lessening the environmental effects of traditional fossil fuels.
Farouk reiterated that the NMDPRA has also been promoting the penetration of cleaner fuels through a number of initiatives aimed at deepening the use of CNG, LPG, and other cleaner fuels for home and industrial purposes. Farouk was represented by Lukman Cardoso, Regional Coordinator, South-West Region, NMDPRA.
The facility was strategically located in Ojota, Lagos, he continued, because of the growing population. This was because the location made important, reasonably priced alternative fuels easily accessible for both home and industrial customers.
Folajimi Mohammed, the founder of Portland Gas, stated that alternative fuel sources, particularly CNG and EV for vehicles, must be taken into consideration after the elimination of fuel subsidies and the complete regulation of the petroleum products market, which sharply raised the price of fuel. According to him, the initiatives included training facilities, eco-friendly CNG generators, and car conversions from petrol or diesel to CNG.
“Since fuel subsidies have been eliminated, fuel prices have decreased and people are suffering less. Fuel now costs between N270 and N300, as opposed to N600 for petrol or N1,000 for diesel, saving almost 76% of savings. We would be able to achieve reduced pollution, a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions, and increased safety,” he stated.
