The Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has implored indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs to increase investment in gas infrastructure, conversion centres, refuelling networks and other value-added services.
Ekpo made the call during the commissioning of the Diverse Autocare Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Conversion Hub in Benin City, Edo State, South-South Nigeria.
He also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to sustaining partnerships with the private sector in the development of the nation’s gas sector.
He described the facility as a strategic investment that aligns with the Federal Government’s drive to deepen domestic gas utilisation and expand cleaner energy alternatives for transportation and industrial development.
According to him, the project reflects growing confidence among indigenous investors in natural gas as a cleaner, cheaper and more sustainable fuel option.
He lauded the management of Diverse Autocare, led by its Chairman, Mr. Greg Ogbeifun, for what he described as a bold and visionary investment in Nigeria’s gas economy.
“This facility is of special significance because it gives practical expression to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly the administration’s resolve to reduce transport costs, deepen domestic gas utilisation, create sustainable jobs, and improve the quality of life of our people through cleaner and more affordable energy solutions,” he said.
The Minister said the project also supports the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas Initiative aimed at transforming Nigeria into a gas-powered industrial economy through effective utilisation of the country’s natural gas resources.
Speaking, the Edo State Deputy Governor, Mr. Dennis Idahosa, said the state government would continue to support initiatives capable of driving industrial growth, cleaner energy adoption and economic development in the state.