Long Queues Persist at Abuja CNG Conversion Center: FG Responds

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has addressed the growing concerns surrounding the lengthy queues at the CNG conversion center located along Airport Road in Abuja. The center, operated by NIPCO filling stations in partnership with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and EPP Gas, has faced criticism for a reported shortage of gas, leading to extensive delays for vehicles.

In a press briefing, Ekpo acknowledged the issue, stating, “It came to my knowledge yesterday that we’re having a long queue along Airport Road at NIPCO. That project is privately driven with the NNPC. I’ve written a letter to EPP Gas to come and explain why we’re having a long queue.”

Ekpo emphasized the necessity of operational efficiency at the CNG stations, revealing that 12 facilities were intended to be functional at the launch. He assured the public that a meeting with NNPC and EPP Gas would be held to resolve the situation promptly.

“There’s availability of gas,” he noted, adding that infrastructure limitations might be a contributing factor to the delays. “We have to try as much as possible to provide the infrastructure for the delivery of gas. What we produce in our country is more than enough.”

The Minister also highlighted the government’s commitment to promoting Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as an affordable and environmentally friendly alternative. He mentioned the establishment of a presidential committee to drive the CNG initiative and reassured the public of ongoing supervision of the project.

“The President has charged us on CNG. It’s essential to inform the general public that CNG has come to stay. We need to take this route because CNG is cheaper and protects the environment,” Ekpo stated. “The President has discussed converting many filling stations across the country to CNG stations. When you use CNG, you save a lot of money.”