NDDC, PCNGI Partner To Bring CNG Revolution To Niger Delta

Port Harcourt, Rivers State, December 10, 2024 – The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) have joined forces to implement a nationwide CNG policy, focusing specifically on the Niger Delta region.

According to a press statement by Seledi Thompson-Wakama, Director, Corporate Affairs NDDC, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed to facilitate this crucial initiative, aimed at mitigating the impact of fuel subsidy removal and stimulating economic growth.

The partnership was announced following a courtesy visit by PCNGI’s Programme Director, Engr. Michael Oluwagbemi, to the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt.

NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, emphasized the initiative’s importance, highlighting its alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s plan to alleviate the hardship caused by the recent fuel subsidy removal.

Ogbuku stressed the job creation potential of the CNG policy, emphasizing its capacity to foster local technology transfer through auto manufacturing, retrofitting, conversion, and the development of critical gas infrastructure.

The initiative’s potential to empower Niger Delta youths and women was a key focus.

This commitment was further underscored by the opening of a CNG conversion and training centre in Rumuokwuta, Port Harcourt. Ogbuku described this as the first of its kind in the region and a vital step towards establishing similar centres nationwide. He declared the NDDC’s intention to make the Niger Delta a hub for CNG technicians, capitalizing on the nation’s energy transition.

Oluwagbemi, from PCNGI, echoed the importance of the collaboration, stating that embracing CNG would stimulate investment in Nigeria’s abundant gas resources, create sustainable local markets, boost the economy, and expand government revenue.

He highlighted the need for stakeholder collaboration to train technicians and enhance local CNG conversion capabilities.

He emphasised that the initiative embodies President Tinubu’s vision to leverage Nigeria’s gas resources, noting Rivers State’s significance as a natural gas hub.

The PCNGI aims to train 10,000 professionals by 2027, beginning with a pilot phase targeting 1,000 auto technicians, engineers, and support staff.

The initiative is designed to reduce transportation costs for Nigerians by utilizing the more affordable and readily available gas resources.

The Traditional Ruler of Rumuokwuta, Eze Michael Chinda, welcomed the development in his community, expressing gratitude for the new training centre and appealing for further NDDC assistance in completing a civic centre and providing additional infrastructure.