Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has announced his administration's plan to explore the benefits of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to alleviate the burden of rising energy costs on households, businesses, and the state's economy. This move is part of a broader effort to stimulate economic activity, create employment, and improve living standards. The governor made this statement while declaring open a three-day awareness workshop on the Presidential CNG Initiative, themed "The Game Changer," in Makurdi.
The adoption of CNG by the Federal Government offers Nigerians a cheaper, cleaner, and more sustainable energy option that can significantly contribute to agricultural production, processing, storage, and transportation. Governor Alia, represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Sam Ode, emphasized that his administration is committed to policies and programs that drive economic growth and reduce the burden on citizens. The CNG initiative is expected to open new frontiers for economic development in Benue State.
The CNG initiative is a national program aimed at providing affordable and cleaner energy. With the rising cost of transportation and its impact on the cost of living, this initiative is particularly important to the state. Governor Alia described the workshop as the beginning of a structured program of awareness, capacity building, investment mobilization, and practical deployment of CNG across Benue State. The state government is committed to pursuing partnerships, investments, infrastructure, and capacity development required to make CNG accessible across the state.
The Commissioner for Power, Renewable Energy and Transport, Joseph Jir, noted that the project goes beyond merely replacing petrol with gas, as CNG offers a cleaner and potentially more affordable option for residents. The Chairman of the Benue State Steering Committee on Coalbed Methane and Allied Resources, Ambassador Nicholas Agbo Ella, said the CNG project presents opportunities for cheaper energy and that the workshop would educate residents on the benefits and safety of CNG.
The State Coordinator of the project and Technical Adviser to the Governor on National Gas and Renewable Energy, Engineer Jonathan Ashir, unveiled the project, which is designed to reduce the high cost associated with the use of petrol and gas in business activities. The project aims to provide a sustainable solution to the energy needs of Benue State residents. The state government has expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, agencies, and organizations supporting Nigeria's transition to cleaner and affordable energy solutions.
The three-day awareness workshop, held at the Rev. Fr. Alia Ultra Modern Conference Hall, Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) headquarters, brought together stakeholders to discuss the benefits and implementation of the CNG initiative. The workshop aimed to educate residents on the safe use of CNG and its potential to transform the state's economy. Participants included government officials, business leaders, and representatives from various organizations.
The successful implementation of the CNG initiative in Benue State could have a positive impact on the state's economy and the lives of its residents. With a commitment to harnessing CNG for affordable energy and economic growth, Governor Alia's administration is poised to drive positive change in the state. The state government's efforts to explore alternative energy sources are expected to yield long-term benefits for the people of Benue State.
Key points
- Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia aims to harness CNG to reduce energy costs and boost the state's economy.
