The Delta State Government has taken a significant step towards promoting Compressed Natural Gas adoption by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with NIPCO Gas Limited for the establishment of a CNG vehicle conversion center in Asaba.
At the signing ceremony, held in the state capital, Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu; Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Onoriode Agofure; and Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ekemejero Ohwovoriole, SAN, represented the state government, while Mr. Sanjay Tarat signed on behalf of NIPCO Gas Limited.
Dr. Emu highlighted that this initiative aligns with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s commitment to providing residents with an avenue to transition from petrol-powered vehicles to CNG.
He emphasized that the state government had already allocated a 3,000-square-meter facility for the project in Asaba, demonstrating its dedication to the initiative.
He also issued a strong warning that failure to meet performance expectations could lead to the revocation of the agreement.
“The conversion to CNG is the way to go; the governor was among the very few governors who drove in an E.V and CNG vehicles. Yes, planning takes a while and here we are with this engagement,” Emu stated.
He stressed the importance of infrastructure in facilitating the adoption of CNG vehicles, saying, “It shows that we want to get the fundamentals right before we start getting the vehicles. Without the CNG stations in our environment, we can’t go anywhere.”
Welcoming NIPCO Gas Limited to the state, he reaffirmed the government’s high standards for timely and quality execution.
“So, we like to welcome you to Delta State. This ceremony is important to us and the name chosen is a brand and NIPCO is one, especially as it concerns CNG; one of the foremost in the country.”
He urged the company to adhere strictly to deadlines, referencing Governor Oborevwori’s reputation for insisting on efficiency.
“Timelines are very critical to us. Please, endeavour to keep to timelines. I am sure you have heard about His Excellency’s penchant for timelines and quality jobs on the social media space,” he noted.
He made it clear that the government would not tolerate delays, adding, “We shall not hesitate to revoke this MoU on account of your inability to perform. We do know you can perform and your inability to perform, we have mitigated by providing the space; which is also what we owe you. Therefore, the ball is in your court.”
