By Christian Njoku
Motorists in Calabar have urged the Federal Government to ensure that the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion and training centre in the area is functional to enable them benefit from the laudable initiative.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the centre, located in Calabar, was inaugurated by the state governor Sen. Bassey Otu on Oct. 18, 2024 but yet to commence operation since then.
The CNG conversion centre is part of the presidential initiative aimed at promoting affordable and sustainable energy future following the removal of fuel subsidy.
NAN investigation revealed that no activity relating to the purpose for which the centre was inaugurated has been taking place there since its inauguration.
The centre, located right in the heart of the city centre, has remained under lock and key.
A commercial transport operator, Mr Sylvanus Ada, said all inquiries about the conversion of their vehicles have not been responded to by the authorities.
According to him, the leadership of the transporters were invited to witness the inauguration of the centre.
“We were all interested in the project because of the cost effectiveness of CNG usage in our line of business.
“The information we got then was that we had to pay about N500,000 each for our vehicles to be converted or enabled CNG complaint.
“In spite of the high cost, we were still interested because of the economic and environmental benefits CNG offered but as we speak, nothing has been heard of the initiative,” he told NAN.
Similarly, Mr Jonas Peter, a commercial driver who shuttles Calabar, Ikom, and Ogoja, said it was unfortunate the initiative was yet to benefit motorists in the area.
Peter regretted that each time he drove past the centre, the place was always devoid of any activity.
“As usual, they have proven me right because I was sceptical about its possibility during the inauguration,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the state government said that although there was delay in putting the centre to use, the plan behind its inauguration had not been abandoned.
The Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Ekpenyong Cobham, told NAN that the state government was doing everything possible to bring down cost of transportation.
According to him, the management of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) was at the verge of visiting the state.
“It is not possible for Cross River to abandon an initiative like the CNG which is very beneficial to the state in terms of the cost effectiveness of CNG,” he told NAN. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Ehigimetor Igbaugba/Uche Anunne
