Natasha Secures FG Commitment To Expand CNG Infrastructure In Kogi
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has secured a commitment from the Federal Government to establish additional Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) filling stations across Kogi State to address the growing shortage of gas affecting commercial transport operators.
The development follows complaints from commercial tricycle operators under the Kogi Central Tricycle Network, who raised concerns over persistent CNG scarcity in the state.
According to the operators, the shortage has resulted in long queues at the only available CNG station in the area, leading to loss of productive hours and reduced income for transport workers.
In a statement issued by the senator’s media office, the operators described the situation as a major challenge and appealed for urgent government intervention to ease the hardship faced by commuters and transport providers.
Responding to the concerns, Akpoti-Uduaghan engaged the leadership of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) to seek a lasting solution to the supply challenges.
The senator disclosed that she held discussions with the Chairman of the initiative, Ismaeel Ahmed, who assured her that efforts were already underway to facilitate the establishment of several new CNG stations across 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,” she said.
Confirming the development, Ahmed stated that arrangements were being finalized to expand CNG infrastructure in the state through partnerships with private investors.
He noted that Kogi State occupies a strategic position in Nigeria’s gas value chain, citing the presence of the Ajaokuta gas hub and the state’s role as a major transportation corridor.
“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,” Ahmed said.
The Federal Government has continued to promote the adoption of CNG as a cheaper and cleaner alternative to petrol through the Presidential CNG Initiative, launched as part of efforts to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal and reduce transportation costs nationwide.
Residents and transport operators have welcomed the planned expansion, expressing optimism that additional stations will improve access to CNG, reduce waiting times, and enhance transportation services across the state.
