Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has opened a new energy front in the state with plans to harness Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to reduce transportation costs, stimulate investment and create new employment opportunities for residents. The governor disclosed this on Monday while declaring open a three-day awareness workshop on the Presidential CNG Initiative, themed “The Game Changer,” at the Rev. Fr. Alia Ultra Modern Conference Hall, Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) headquarters, Makurdi.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Barr. Dr. Sam Ode, mni, Governor Alia said the adoption of CNG offered Benue an opportunity to access a cheaper, cleaner and more sustainable energy source, particularly against the backdrop of rising transportation and energy costs. According to him, the initiative has the potential to support the state’s agricultural and commercial activities by reducing the cost of transportation, processing, storage and distribution of goods. Alia said his administration was committed to policies and programmes that would stimulate economic activities, create employment, improve living standards and reduce the burden of rising costs on citizens. He described the workshop as the commencement of a structured programme aimed at creating public awareness, developing technical capacity, attracting investments and facilitating the practical deployment of CNG across Benue. The governor urged participants to take advantage of the workshop to acquire relevant skills, explore investment opportunities and position themselves for participation in the emerging clean-energy economy. He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to building partnerships, attracting investments and developing the infrastructure and human capacity required to make CNG accessible across the state.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Power, Renewable Energy and Transport, Hon. Jir Joseph Ter, in his welcome address said the state government was determined to translate the Presidential CNG Initiative into practical economic benefits for the people of Benue. Jir said the workshop was designed to educate residents, deepen collaboration between the federal and state governments and increase public understanding of the opportunities presented by CNG. He noted that CNG could provide a cheaper alternative for transportation and power, with the potential to reduce transport costs, lower the cost of doing business and cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal. The commissioner said the impact of reduced transportation costs would extend beyond commuters, as farmers, traders, workers and businesses could benefit from lower operating and logistics costs. He disclosed that the state had established the Benue State CNG Project to make CNG more accessible and understandable to residents, while opening opportunities for transport operators, youths and private investors. According to him, the project will focus on public awareness, technical and vocational training, vehicle conversion to CNG, access to conversion kits, deployment of CNG-powered buses and tricycles, engagement with transport unions and promotion of private-sector investment. Jir said the government’s vision was to have CNG-powered vehicles operating on Benue roads, create jobs for youths across the CNG value chain, reduce operational costs for transporters and make transportation more affordable for families. He urged transport operators to see the initiative as an opportunity rather than a threat, while encouraging youths to regard CNG as an emerging industry capable of providing skills, businesses and employment. The commissioner also called on investors to explore opportunities within the CNG value chain, assuring them of the state government’s interest in private-sector participation. He stressed that the success of the initiative would depend on the collective efforts of government, private-sector operators, transport unions, traditional institutions and citizens. Jir commended Governor Alia for supporting the initiative and also acknowledged the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for driving the Presidential CNG Initiative. He further commended the Coordinator of the Benue CNG Project and Technical Adviser to the Governor on Natural Gas and Renewable Energy, Engr. Ashir Jonathan Terkosu, for his technical leadership and commitment to the project.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Benue State Steering Committee on Coalbed Methane and Allied Resources, Amb. Nicholas Agbo Ella, said the CNG initiative offered opportunities for cheaper energy and economic development, adding that the workshop would help residents understand its benefits and safety requirements.
The State Coordinator of the project and Technical Adviser to the Governor on Natural Gas and Renewable Energy, Engr. Jonathan Ashir, said the initiative was designed to reduce the high cost associated with petrol and gas-dependent business activities. Ashir disclosed that Governor Alia had announced plans to establish four CNG stations across the state, a move he said would help expand access to the alternative energy source.
The three-day workshop, organised by the Benue State Ministry of Power, Renewable Energy and Transport, commenced on Monday and is expected to conclude on Wednesday, with technical presentations, interactive sessions and question-and-answer sessions designed to deepen public understanding and participation in the Presidential CNG Initiative.
