The Managing Director of Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority, Bamanga Jada says Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), will reduce carbon, nitrogen-oxide emissions in the country.
Speaking at the Groundbreaking, Sensitization and Stakeholders event jointly organized by Oil and Gas Frees Zone Authority and Portland Gas Limited for the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), infrastructure project on Tuesday in Onne, Rivers state, Jada described the initiative as innovative and far-sighted programme introduced by President Bola Tinubu as component of his palliative intervention to provide cheaper and cleaner fueling alternative that will significantly lower the cost of energy in Nigeria.
He further stated that the event is a special one as it is timely and crucial in addressing Nigeria’s energy and economic challenges.
According to him, it is aimed at promoting Mr. President’s mandate of the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a cleaner, efficient and more environmentally friendly energy source.
Jada said: “In recent years, the global energy landscape has undergone tremendous change. Faced with the dual challenges of increasing energy demand and urgent environmental concerns, we must seek solutions that are both efficient and sustainable. CNG stands at the forefront of this endeavour. It is a cleaner, more efficient alternative to conventional fossil fuels, and today, we take a significant step toward embracing its potential. “CNG offers about 70% cost-saving benefits to industries in our Free Zones, particularly in the transportation, logistics/supply chain & cargo-handling service sector of Free Zone operations compared to the traditional petroleum products like diesel and PMS.
“We are therefore excited to collaborate with the Honourable Minister and the PI-CNG to promote its adoption nationwide. In this regard, the Authority has laid out a 5-year CNG adoption programme for all Oil and Gas Free Zones in Nigeria, with a goal to reduce carbon and nitrogen-oxide emissions in our Zones by 25% and 35% respectively. “The Authority remains committed to driving and facilitating investments that align with Mr. President’s objectives for industrial growth and economic diversification.
“In this regard, we have specifically designated two (2) of our Free Zones at Liberty Oil and Gas Free Zone, Akwa Ibom State, and the Orashi Energy Free Zone in Imo State for gas and green energy projects, with special focus on gas processing and renewable energy resource development projects. In the last 17 months under the Tinubu-led Administration, OGFZA’s Liberty OGFZ has attracted FDI worth over USD$1 billion” he added. He maintained that the Authority has streamlined regulatory processes and simplified the licensing process and operational procedures under PEBEC’s guidance to facilitate the seamless implementation of energy projects that advance sustainable energy solutions and contribute to a cleaner, greener future.
Earlier, in his welcome address at the event, Chief Executive Officer of PortLand Gas Limited, Folajimi Mohammed said the pivotal event, underscore the collective commitment of PortLand Gas Limited to sustainable transportation.
Mohammed further stated that the theme; “Driving Sustainable Transportation, Accelerating CNG Adoption”, resonates deeply with the company’s vision to pioneer innovative pathways toward a greener and more energy-secure future for Nigeria and beyond.
“We break ground today on what will become one of the most significant CNG hubs in Nigeria. The Onne CNG facility represents our commitment to building infrastructure that drives cleaner, more sustainable, and affordable transportation solutions.
“Onne is not just a strategic location; it is a beacon of potential. Its proximity to industrial zones, its vibrant community, and its accessibility make it the ideal site for this groundbreaking project. This facility will not only serve as a regional hub but will also connect seamlessly to our broader network, amplifying our impact nationwide”.
Other speakers at the event which include, Managing Director of Total Support, Mr Ubani Nkangieme, Engineer Ralph Gbo, Managing Director, Shell Nigeria Gas, Executive Director, Engineering and Technical Services, Nigerian Ports Authority, Engr Ibrahim Abba Umar who was represented by the Port engineer, Uzomadi Okparandu and the Deputy National President, Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria Amb. Muhammed Bishara, all pledged their unalloyed support to promote and encourage the sustainability of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in Nigeria.
The event was attended by the Honourable Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole who was represented by Mrs. Theresa Golo, Director Commodity and Export Department; and former Minister for Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed. This historic project in the flagship Oil and Gas Free Zone, underscores that OGFZA is fulfilling its mandate by adopting the Presidential CNG Initiative and has placed the Authority in the affairs of National discourse.
