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FG plans 500 CNG stations to cut petrol use

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The Federal Government is set to establish 500 Compressed Natural Gas refuelling stations across the country within three years, as part of efforts to accelerate Nigeria’s transition to cleaner, cheaper fuels and ease pressure on petrol consumption.

This follows the conclusion of discussions between the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund and Chinese equipment manufacturer, Endurance Group, on the rollout of large-scale CNG infrastructure, the Executive Director of the MDGIF, Oluwole Adama, disclosed in a statement on Sunday.

The statement read, “The Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund concludes discussion with leading Chinese Manufacturer Endurance Group to make available 500 CNG refuelling stations across Nigeria for the next three years.”

Adama said the talks resulted in an agreement to create a government-backed Special Purpose Vehicle, promoted by the MDGIF, Bank of Industry, Endurance Group, and Séquor Investment Partners, to drive the project.

According to him, the SPV, to be known as Compressed Natural Gas Auto Mobility Infrastructure Company, will “deploy 500 integrated CNG refuelling stations; develop LCNG gas supply infrastructure; and provide CNG and LNG transportation trucks with truck-mounted cascades, forming a virtual pipeline across all states nationwide.”

“The collaboration underscores the parties’ commitment to accelerating Nigeria’s transition to cleaner fuels by addressing infrastructure gaps across the country’s CNG value chain. Under this agreement, we will set up the Compressed Natural Gas Auto Mobility Infrastructure Company, which will be used to deploy 500 integrated CNG refuelling stations, develop LCNG gas supply infrastructure, and provide CNG and LNG transportation trucks with truck-mounted cascades, forming a virtual pipeline across all states nationwide.”

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He noted that the initiative would help eliminate the long queues currently witnessed at existing CNG stations by expanding access to refuelling points and improving logistics to ensure uninterrupted supply.

The move comes as the current administration intensifies its shift toward gas as a more affordable alternative to petrol and diesel, following the removal of fuel subsidy and the liberalisation of the downstream market.

Government officials have repeatedly argued that auto-CNG adoption is critical to stabilising transportation costs, improving energy security, and reducing pressure on foreign exchange used for fuel imports.

Nigeria, with over 200 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves, has struggled for years to build adequate midstream infrastructure, leaving large parts of the country underserved.

The CNG rollout is one of the flagship components of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative launched in 2023 to reduce reliance on Premium Motor Spirit and Automotive Gas Oil.

Commenting, the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties and Domestic Affairs, Oluwatoyin Subair, said the CAM InfraCo project aligns directly with President Bola Tinubu’s energy security agenda.

He said it would deepen the use of auto-CNG nationwide, support the administration’s economic reforms, and create new employment opportunities across the domestic gas value chain.

On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of Endurance Group, Eric Lin, said the SPV aims to establish a nationwide refuelling, maintenance, and logistics ecosystem by leasing CNG equipment to certified operators and ensuring a steady gas supply through a reliable virtual pipeline network.

“CAM InfraCo’s leasing and logistics strategy is designed to create a commercially viable and resilient national CNG refuelling network,” Lin said.

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He added that the distribution model would deliver gas from strategically located mother stations into underserved northern corridors and high-demand southern clusters, leveraging existing hubs and planned infrastructure to support sustained and cost-effective expansion.

When completed, the initiative is expected to significantly deepen access to gas-powered transportation, reduce reliance on imported fuels, and strengthen the country’s ongoing transition to cleaner energy sources.

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Customs dismiss smuggling, revenue leakage allegations

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The Nigeria Customs Service has dismissed allegations of increased smuggling, revenue leakage, recruitment impropriety and manipulation of succession within the service, describing them as a misrepresentation of its operations and administrative processes.

The service’s National Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, stated this in a response released on Thursday to an investigative report published by a media outlet (not PUNCH) on August 7, 2026.

The report had alleged intensified smuggling along the Seme, Idiroko, Ilaro, Ipokia and Igbeti-Kishi corridors, as well as manipulation of the 846 valuation code at the Apapa, Tin Can Island and PTML Area Commands.

Maiwada said the claim of a surge in smuggling was inconsistent with the service’s enforcement activities, pointing to regular seizures recorded along the affected corridors.

“Our responsibility is to reduce smuggling to the barest minimum, not to claim that it can be completely eradicated,” he said.

On the 846 valuation code, the NCS explained that it was a digital tool designed for vehicles with non-standard or non-compliant Vehicle Identification Numbers, including specialised heavy equipment, classic vehicles and customised models.

“The 846 code is an established digital valuation code within the Customs portal, specifically designated for vehicles with non-standard or non-compliant Vehicle Identification Numbers,” Maiwada said.

He added that standard vehicles were assessed automatically through manufacturer-linked databases, while 846 applications were subjected to secondary approval by valuation officers and Area Controllers.

Maiwada said discrepancies discovered through post-clearance audits could lead to Demand Notices for the recovery of short-collected duties and sanctions against offending operators, adding that revenue collections at major ports had reached historic levels under the digital framework.

On the recruitment of Assistant Superintendents of Customs II, the Service said the exercise was conducted under the authorisation of the Nigeria Customs Service Board and in line with the NCS Act 2023 and Federal Character Commission guidelines.

See also  US emerges top supplier of crude to Nigeria — Report

It said successful candidates were issued provisional offers subject to medical verification, background checks and formal acceptance.

The Service also rejected allegations of succession manipulation and favouritism among officers, saying promotions were determined by seniority, merit, promotion examinations and available vacancies in accordance with established regulations.

“Succession and promotion within the Service are governed by established rules and career progression structures, not personal preference,” the Service said.

Maiwada said leadership training for Deputy Comptrollers was part of the Service’s human capital development strategy, aimed at strengthening trade operations, intelligence management and executive leadership.

He explained that approved training programmes and international exposures were funded through budgetary allocations or formal technical assistance arrangements with partner institutions.

Responding to calls for independent investigations, the NCS said it remained subject to oversight by the Federal Ministry of Finance, National Assembly, Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation and anti-corruption agencies.

“The management maintains a firm, intolerant posture toward corruption, revenue leakage or administrative misconduct,” the Service stated.

It added that any officer or stakeholder found culpable would face disciplinary action and prosecution in accordance with the law, while assuring Nigerians that the Service would cooperate with any legitimate investigation by statutory authorities.

Source: punchng.com

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Patience Jonathan revealed she mentored Azikel refinery boss Eruani from ‘small boy’ to big businessman

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Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan’s wife, Patience, has described the Group President of Azikel Group, Dr Azibapu Eruani, as a “small boy” she raised and mentored into the league of Nigeria’s biggest businessmen.

She said her guidance was behind his bold entry into big business at a relatively young age.

The former First Lady spoke on Tuesday in a video which went viral on Thursday during an inspection tour of the Azikel Refinery in Obunagha, Bayelsa State, alongside other dignitaries.

She said she personally introduced Eruani to billionaire businessmen, Aliko Dangote and Aminu Dantata, and pushed him to aspire to their level despite being the youngest among them.

“He’s a boy that I brought up. We are always together. Although he’s the little one among us when we are friends — Dangote, Seyi, Dantata, Eruani — among us, he’s the smallest. But I made sure he followed the Dangotes, he followed Dantata.

“Because I’m a woman in their midst, I made sure I told this small boy, ‘Go and follow them, and stop the grammar.’ But when he told me that one day he would be like Dangote, I said, ‘You’re thinking too high.’ I prayed to God to grant him his heart’s desire,” she said.

Group President of Azikel Group, Dr Azibapu Eruani

The former First Lady also recalled how the immediate past APC administration under Muhammadu Buhari initially failed to grant Eruani a refinery licence before eventually approving three.

“During the Buhari administration, he and others came to me and told me they were going to apply for a refinery. I told him, ‘Eruani, your brother, the President, did not give you a refinery.

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“Is it the APC government that will give you one?’ I prayed it would happen. But later, they came back and told me they had been given three refineries,” she said.

The inspection coincided with the arrival of the refinery’s Crude Distillation Unit, a major milestone in the development of the $1bn facility.

The 25,000 barrels-per-day plant is a private hydro-skimming refinery designed to process condensate into petrol, diesel, aviation fuel, kerosene and other products.

It is set to become Nigeria’s second-largest full-slate refinery and the first major privately owned refinery in the Niger Delta.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Samuel Ogbuku, who joined the inspection tour, commended Eruani for his perseverance, noting that he had attended the project’s groundbreaking ceremony eight years ago.

Ogbuku described the refinery as an inspiration and a potential catalyst for investment, job creation and economic growth in Bayelsa State, and urged residents, particularly youths, to key into the opportunities it would create.

 

 

He also praised the Bayelsa State Government for improving road infrastructure leading to the refinery site and called for continued support for the project.

Governor Douye Diri, who was represented at the inspection by his deputy, Peter Akpe, has consistently backed the project, which is expected to employ hundreds of workers and drive industrialisation in the state.

Other dignitaries at the event included the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers, King Bubaraye Dakolo; Vice President of Azikel Group, Presley Asemota; and Isaac Yalah, among others.

See also  US emerges top supplier of crude to Nigeria — Report

Source: punchng.com

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Aiyedatiwa signs new Ondo electricity power sector law

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Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has assented to the Ondo State Electric Power Sector (Amendment) Law, 2026, establishing a stronger legal and regulatory framework for electricity generation, transmission and distribution across the state.

The new law establishes the State Electricity Regulatory Commission, which will oversee tariffs, licences, investments, mini-grids, renewable energy and other electricity-related activities in the state.

It also provides for the creation of the State Independent System Operator and State Market Operator to support the development of an efficient and competitive electricity market.

Key provisions of the legislation include compulsory metering, protection of community and privately funded electricity infrastructure, and penalties for the sabotage of power facilities.

The law further establishes the Equipment Standards and Competence Certification Agency to regulate electrical equipment and ensure that professionals operating in the sector meet required standards.

The legislation also strengthens the Ondo State Power Company and provides greater protection and regulatory certainty for investors in electricity generation, distribution, renewable energy and related infrastructure.

According to the state government on its X handle on Thursday, the new legal framework is designed to attract private investment and expand access to reliable electricity across the state.

The government said the law would “attract private investment, expand electricity access, promote renewable energy” and use reliable power supply to drive industrialisation and economic development.

The administration said the establishment of dedicated regulatory and market institutions would create a more structured electricity sector while improving confidence among investors and other stakeholders.

The government also said the provisions protecting electricity infrastructure and imposing penalties for sabotage would help safeguard investments and improve the reliability of power supply.

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With the new law, the state government said Ondo was positioning its electricity sector to support industrial growth, expand economic opportunities and promote sustainable energy development.

Source: punchng.com

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