Nsik Oil and Gas Company Limited Partners Presidential CNG Initiative as The Programme Officially Launch Today In A'Ibom
By Imoh Essien (Uyo)
Nsik Oil and Gas Company Limited, an indigenous Oil and Gas company in Nigeria has again recorded a milestone achievement by partnering with the Presidential CNG Initiative (P-CNGi) as they officially inaugurated in Akwa Ibom State as a pilot conversion and training centre aimed at facilitating the conversion of vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in the State.
The firm is one of the premier beneficiaries of the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund, selected alongside five other companies in Nigeria as a catalyst for investment aimed at bridging gaps in the gas value chain by ensuring the financing and delivery of critical projects.
The event took place today, October 18th 2024, at Nsik Motors Terminal, Itam, Akwa Ibom State, had in attendance a cream of dignitaries within transportation, oil, and gas sectors.
The coordinator, Engr. Michael Oluwagbemi, Programme Director and Chief Executive of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI), said adopting CNG is a pivotal step toward diversifying the transportation sector away from oil dependency.
Represented at the event by Head of Commercial Tosin Coker, Oluwagbemi said the initiative is designed to support the government’s CNG program and alleviate the financial impact of fuel subsidy removal by lowering transportation expenses. While inaugurating the CNG incentives, the coordinator of the initiative also remarked that the pilot project will usher in a new benchmark for CNG vehicle conversion and training in the state.
"The Presidential CNG Initiative (Pi-CNG) is part of the relief measures from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government to assist the public facing the challenges following the removal of the fuel subsidy by the Federal Government of Nigeria," he said.
Oluwagbemi emphasised that the CNG centre represents a pathway to a more environmentally sustainable and economically thriving future for Nigeria.
The Chairman of Nsik Oil and Gas Limited, Mr. Nsikan Johnny, an entrepreneur and founder of Nsik Group of Companies, earlier in his welcome remarks encouraged Nigerians to view the conversion of vehicles to CNG as a big relief.
He affirmed Nsik’s commitment to promoting clean energy based on sustainability and integrity. He emphasised the company’s landmark development of a 10MMSCF of Compressed Natural Gas Mother Station which will soon be commissioned in Esit Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
“We shall commence training of indigenes of our state here immediately, and as Partners of the PCNGI, we shall consolidate on our value chain infrastructure in the gas industry to drive this initiative” he added.
"As a focused player in the industry, our immediate strategy is to provide relief to Akwa Ibom people and Nigerians in general, as we aim to establish three mobile dispensers within the next six months and utilise mobile systems to transport CNG to power vehicles in the meantime that could enhance operations, which will evolve into mother-and-daughter stations across the state," he said.
Mr. Johnny opined that one of the best programmes of President Ahmed Tinubu's administration is CNG initiative. He noted that Mr. President is interested in the CNG programme, and that the initiative is like a baby to him and added that CNG is cheaper, safer, and cleaner.
"If you are Using CNG, within a period of 5 to 10 years you wouldn't issue working on your engine because your engine will always be clean. This is a clear indication that Mr. President meant well for the country," he explained.
The state Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Orman Esin, highlighted that the State is delighted to have the Presidential CNG Initiative in Akwa Ibom and informed that the initiative shall be a successful energy transition for the people of the state.
While taking the team around the converison centre, Mr. Mkposong Asuquo, a consultant, maintained that the centre is equipped with advanced facilities, including 4 pits for efficient vehicle conversion and hydraulic car lifts for safe maintenance.
He also pointed out that the training centre can host around 50 technician trainees simultaneously, providing practical experience and individualised instruction, alongside a dedicated section for tricycle conversion and maintenance.
He said plans are underway for the training programs to receive certification from prestigious organisations like the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) as well as international bodies, while ensuring that the technicians shall be trained to adhere to global standards and best practices.
Goodwill messages of support for the initiative came from the ria (RTEAN), other converqsiqon partners among others.
The event culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between PCNGi, Nsik Oil and Gas, and two other companies, and the organisation officially designated Uyo as a centre for CNG vehicle conversion and technician training.
