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By Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
The Edo State Government has unveiled plans to expand the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to reduce the impact of rising fuel and transportation costs on residents.
Commissioner for Oil and Gas Resources, Hon. Andrew Momodu, said the government was engaging investors, CNG conversion operators and petroleum marketers to develop an energy framework that would ease the burden of high fuel prices.
Momodu said investors had expressed readiness to help vehicle owners convert their petrol-powered vehicles to CNG, including offering credit facilities initially to state civil servants.
He said a registration platform has also been created for interested workers, while plans are underway to establish CNG stations across the state.
Momodu
He said Governor Monday Okpebholo had directed the ministry to pursue the development of CNG facilities, with the long-term goal of making Edo a supply hub for other states.
Momodu also highlighted Edo’s gas potential, noting that the state contributes about 37 per cent of Nigeria’s gas supply, according to figures he cited.
On fuel prices, the commissioner said the government had engaged petroleum marketers to consider residents’ economic difficulties and moderate their profit margins.
He added that a benchmark had been established with marketers to discourage excessive pricing, despite the absence of a regulated pump price in the state.
Addressing concerns over bad roads, Momodu said the government was aware of the situation and had engaged the governor on road rehabilitation.
He attributed delays in some projects to heavy rainfall, saying construction would receive renewed attention when weather conditions improve.
Momodu assured residents that the ministry would continue working to unlock Edo’s oil and gas potential and translate its natural resources into tangible benefits for the people.
