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FG To Launch 100 New CNG Stations Nationwide Within Six Months

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As part of its ongoing efforts to promote the use of cleaner, more affordable fuel alternatives to petrol, the Federal Government will be launching 100 new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations across Nigeria in the next six months.

This initiative aims to reduce the cost of fuel for Nigerians while also supporting the country’s energy transition goals.

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Speaking at an event in Ogun State, Oluwagbemi Michael, the Programme Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI), revealed that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) had already acquired equipment to establish 40 of these new CNG stations.

This comes in addition to 12 stations the NNPC has set up in the past year, with six in Abuja and six in Lagos.

Oluwagbemi noted that the government’s goal is to improve the accessibility of CNG as a cleaner, cheaper alternative fuel, addressing public concerns over the limited availability of CNG refuelling stations.

He explained that the expansion is backed by an active infrastructure development programme, in collaboration with the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund.

“Two weeks ago, about N122 billion was released to six private organisations investing in the CNG distribution value chain,” Oluwagbemi said. “This will ensure that we have sufficient CNG distribution infrastructure across the country.”

In addition to the NNPC’s efforts, several private companies are also contributing to the expansion of CNG infrastructure.

Companies such as Bovas, NIPCO, Matrix, and MRS are investing heavily in the sector, with Bovas working on eight stations and NIPCO adding 12 more to their existing network of 10 stations.

The PCNGI CEO noted that Nigeria had only 13 to 20 CNG refuelling stations a year ago, but that number has grown to 50 today.

He expects this figure to double within six months, driven by ongoing investment and government support.

The federal government is also pushing the distribution of one million CNG conversion kits to commercial drivers and providing credit schemes for private individuals to convert their petrol-powered vehicles to CNG.

Oluwagbemi assured Nigerians that as more vehicles convert to CNG, the demand for refuelling stations will continue to rise, encouraging more private investment in the sector.

He also confirmed that existing petrol stations could be upgraded to offer CNG services, with the NNPC already working on 40 such upgrades.

He emphasized that the government is committed to creating a robust CNG infrastructure to support the country’s energy transition, reduce fuel costs for Nigerians, and provide a cleaner, safer alternative to petrol.

 

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Ibadan Funfair Tragedy: Former Ooni’s Wife, Others Remanded Over Stampede

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A Chief Magistrate’s Court in Iyaganku, Ibadan, has ordered the remand of Naomi Silekunola, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, along with Oriyomi Hamzat, the CEO of Agidigbo FM, and Abdullahi Fasasi, the Principal of Islamic High School, at the Agodi Correctional Centre.

The trio was arraigned on Tuesday in connection with the recent tragic stampede that occurred during a Christmas funfair at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan.

The incident, which claimed the lives of 35 children and injured six others, has drawn widespread public and legal attention.

Presiding over the case, Chief Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi issued the remand order following charges brought against the defendants. The police prosecutor stated that their alleged offences contravened Section 324 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

READ MORE: States Tighten Measures To Prevent Stampedes At Events

The prosecution accused the defendants of being involved in the organization of the event, which turned disastrous, leading to the stampede. Pending legal advice from the Oyo State Director of Public Prosecutions, the court directed their detention at the correctional facility.

The court session, held amidst heavy security, attracted significant public interest. Law enforcement officers were seen providing tight security as the suspects were escorted to and from the courtroom.

Further updates on the legal proceedings are expected as investigations continue.

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Labour Kicks Against N935/Litre Petrol, Wants More

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A cry has gone out for further reduction of the pump prices of premium motor spirit (PMS) in Nigeria to reflect local domestic production of refined products.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)has urged further reduction in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) otherwise known as petrol, insisting that the recent drop in price to N935/litre was begging the situation.

Recall that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in partnership with MRS recently announced a reduction in petrol price to N935/litre.

Before the announcement, the commodity sold for over N1,030/litre in Lagos and environs, while it cost more than N1,060/litre in Abuja and Northern states.

ALSO READ: CSOs Urge Further Reduction Of Pump Prices Of Petrol

In a swift reaction, on Sunday, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) said its members would be selling petrol at N935/litre from Monday based on the latest arrangement with the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

IPMAN’s National President, Maigandi Garima,, according The Punch, said the reduction in Dangote refinery’s ex-depot price for petrol and the uniform arrangement being put in place, would enable marketers to sell at N935 in their outlets nationwide.

They had set aside N36/litre as cost of logistics.

However, the announcement did not excite the NLC, which insisted on Monday that the cost of petrol should drop further.

A senior official of the NLC, Chris Onyeka, unequivocally rejected any commendation for the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) over the recent reduction in the pump price of petrol.

He argued that the current pricing mechanism does not reflect the true cost of the commodity, according to The Punch.

“Do you want us to clap for them? How can we be okay with a price of N935/litre of PMS? This is not the right price for PMS. You cannot base the price on imported products when we have refining capacity in Nigeria,” he said.

He argued that the costs embedded in the current pricing framework — including foreign labour, freight charges, insurance, logistics, and profits accrued abroad — unfairly burden Nigerians.

“Products are refined in Nigeria, yet the price you give Nigerians is based on imported products. Why should we applaud that? It is akin to someone stealing your money and returning only part of it, then expecting you to clap. We cannot applaud this,” he stated.

Onyeka stressed that the only way to ascertain the correct price of PMS is by determining the actual cost of refining it domestically.

“We need to know how much it costs the NNPC to refine a litre of PMS in our local refineries, such as the Port Harcourt refinery. That is the price Nigerians should be paying,” he emphasised.

He called on the government to prioritise the welfare of Nigerians by ensuring that fuel pricing aligns with local realities.

“This country belongs to all Nigerians. Let the government do the right thing that allows Nigerians to breathe. Let the poor breathe.

“The NLC’s position underscores growing discontent among Nigerians over the rising cost of living, with fuel prices being a major contributor to inflation and economic hardship,” he stated.

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No Regrets On Subsidy Removal, Tax Reforms To Continue – Tinubu

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President Bola Tinubu, during his first Presidential Media Chat aired on the Nigerian Television Authority on Monday, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the ongoing tax reforms and subsidy removal, maintaining that the measures are essential to securing Nigeria’s economic future.

The tax reforms, designed to eliminate colonial-era practices and widen the tax net, have faced significant resistance from some quarters, particularly from northern lawmakers and governors. Despite this, Tinubu declared, “Tax reform is here to stay. We cannot just continue to do what we were doing yesteryears in today’s economy.”

The reforms, encapsulated in four bills transmitted to the National Assembly, aim to streamline taxation and revenue generation.

However, critics, including Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, have argued for caution. “The Petroleum Industry Bill took almost 20 years before it was finally passed. This tax reform bill is being transmitted and receiving legislative attention within a week. It should be treated carefully and with caution,” Zulum said in an interview with BBC.

Despite calls for broader consultations and delays, Tinubu emphasized the pro-poor nature of the reforms, noting that the vulnerable would not be taxed. “The essence of the tax reform is to eliminate colonial-based assumptions in our tax environment,” he stated.

READ MORE: President Tinubu Set For First Nationwide Media Chat Tonight

No Regrets Over Subsidy Removal

Addressing the economic hardship resulting from the removal of the petrol subsidy, Tinubu defended his decision as necessary to prevent Nigeria from “spending its future.” He dismissed the notion of a phased removal, stating, “Phased removal is part of unnecessary fear. No matter how you cut it, you still have to meet the bills.”

The President highlighted the benefits of subsidy removal, pointing out that the policy had curtailed smuggling and freed up resources for more productive uses. “There is no way that you give out fuel and allow all the neighbouring countries as Father Christmas. I don’t have any regret whatsoever in removing the subsidy,” he said.

Tackling Inflation and Corruption

Tinubu also discussed his administration’s strategies to reduce inflation, emphasizing local production and import reduction. “If one produces more for consumption locally, stop imports, give a reasonable level of funding and assistance… we have what it takes,” he explained.

On corruption, the President cited increased earnings for workers and stricter oversight by anti-corruption agencies as key measures. He pointed to the recent seizure of hundreds of properties reportedly owned by a former Central Bank Governor as evidence of his administration’s efforts. “Part of the anti-corruption is removal of subsidy. It is very difficult to eliminate but you reduce it to the barest minimum,” Tinubu stated.

Food Stampedes and Governance

The President expressed condolences over recent tragic stampedes during food distribution events, attributing the incidents to poor organization by event planners. “If you don’t have enough to give, don’t attempt to give or publicize it,” he warned.

Tinubu concluded by reaffirming his commitment to efficient governance and economic reforms, stating, “The hallmark of a good leader is the ability to do what you have to do at the time it has to be done.”

The reforms continue to spark nationwide debates, with stakeholders divided over their potential long-term impacts.

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