Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has obtained a commitment from the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) to establish more Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) filling stations across Kogi State in response to concerns over severe gas shortages affecting commercial transport operators.
The move follows increasing complaints from commercial tricycle riders, who say the scarcity of CNG has disrupted transportation services and worsened operating conditions for both drivers and commuters throughout the state.
According to a statement released by the senator’s media office on Monday night, members of the Kogi Central Tricycle Network reported that the shortage had resulted in long waiting times at the only CNG station currently serving the area, leading to reduced productivity and lower income for operators.
The riders noted that the existing facility is no longer capable of meeting the rising demand from commercial transporters who have adopted the Federal Government’s clean energy initiative.
The group described the situation as a major challenge and called for urgent intervention.
The complaints prompted Akpoti-Uduaghan to engage the leadership of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative in search of a lasting solution.
The senator said she had discussed the matter with the Chairman of the initiative, Ismaeel Ahmed, who assured her that efforts were ongoing to establish additional CNG stations across Kogi State.
“My dear friend, Ismaeel Ahmed, who chairs the Presidential CNG Initiative, has assured me that his office is currently facilitating the establishment of several CNG stations across Kogi State. This will help bridge the supply gap and address the current scarcity,” she stated.
Confirming the development, Ahmed said arrangements were being finalised to expand CNG infrastructure in the state through partnerships with private investors.
He noted that Kogi’s strategic position in Nigeria’s gas value chain and its location along major transportation routes made it a priority destination for investment.
According to him, the presence of the Ajaokuta gas hub and the state’s role as a major transit corridor make it suitable for the expansion of gas distribution infrastructure.
“Kogi State is home to the Ajaokuta gas hub, and because of its strategic location, heavy traffic volume and importance as a major transportation corridor, we will be bringing more gas stations along that route,” Ahmed said.
The Federal Government has continued to promote the adoption of CNG as a cheaper and cleaner alternative to petrol through the Presidential CNG Initiative, launched as part of measures to cushion the impact of fuel subsidy removal and reduce transportation costs.
Residents and transport operators have welcomed the planned expansion, expressing optimism that additional stations would ease supply challenges and improve access to CNG across the state.
