The Jigawa State chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has commended the state government for releasing a total sum of N117,109,070 for the establishment of a compressed natural gas (CNG) conversion centre in the state.
The commendation was made by the NURTW’s General Secretary, Comrade Ibrahim Ahmed Kwaimawa, in an exclusive interview with Tribune Online in Dutse, the state capital.
He also expressed gratitude to the state governor, Malam Umar Namadi, for his proactive efforts in making Jigawa the first state in the northern region to embark on such an initiative, which will facilitate the availability of CNG vehicles.
Comrade Ibrahim Ahmed Kwaimawa highlighted that, in his view, among all the policies and programs of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, this initiative stands out as the most impactful and timely.
He noted that the inclusion of NURTW as a member of the CNG Presidential Initiative Committee is a testament to the federal government’s commitment to the success of the project, especially during this period of high petroleum prices that have driven up transportation costs for goods and people.
According to him, “moving from gasoline vehicles and other machines to compressed natural gas (CNG) would reduce transportation costs and ease some of the burdens on commuters and goods transporters.”
“Another advantage of the policy is that it would contribute to climate change control and reduce pollution,” he added.
The General Secretary further stated, “I believe when the project kicks off, it will truly benefit all categories of people, particularly the common man.”
He also commended Jigawa State Governor Malam Umar Namadi for his proactive measures and commitment to establishing the CNG conversion centre in the state capital and other major cities.
According to him, “The governor is the first in northern Nigeria, and perhaps even beyond, to allocate sufficient funds for establishing conversion centres, training youth, and procuring the necessary kits. I am optimistic that, with Governor Namadi’s actions and commitment, Jigawa will become a leading state in the country in this regard.”
Comrade Kwaimawa called on other state governors, particularly those in the northern region, to emulate Jigawa State Governor Malam Umar Namadi and complement the federal government’s efforts in making CNG vehicles, conversion centres, and kits more available and accessible across the country.
He also urged governors to involve the Road Transport Workers Union, being key stakeholders, to ensure the success of the projects.
The Tribune Online gathered that the Jigawa State Executive Council has approved the release of N117,109,070 for the establishment of a CNG Conversion Centre at the Dutse Skills Acquisition Centre in Limawa. This centre will serve as a pilot training hub for the conversion of vehicles, tricycles, motorcycles, and water pump generators.
The Commissioner for Information and Sports, Mr Sagir Musa, disclosed that this initiative aligns with the administration of His Excellency Malam Umar A. Namadi, FCA, in its commitment to alleviating the suffering of state residents caused by the high energy costs resulting from the removal of the petroleum subsidy.
Currently, there is no compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicle conversion centre established by either the government or private organisations in Jigawa State, including Dutse, the state capital.
Reports from the state indicate that, despite the federal government’s implementation of policies promoting the use of CNG vehicles in the country and its promise to establish conversion centres and provide conversion kits, no such development has yet materialised in Jigawa State.
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