…Delta Signs MoU To Build Conversion Centre
By Eseoghene Emuke
The Delta State government on Thursday explained why it delayed the introduction of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses which the state governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, was delayed.
The government said the delayed was occasioned by the absence of CNG conversion centre for vehicles in the state.
State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, gave the clarification on Thursday when the state government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NIPCO Gas Limited for the establishment of a CNG conversion centre of vehicles in the state.
The signing ceremony took place in Asaba on Thursday with the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, the Commissioner for Transport, Mr Onoriode Agofure, and the Attorney -General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Ekemejero Ohwovoriole, SAN, signing on behalf of the state government, while Mr Sanjay Tarat signed for NIPCO Gas Limited.
The move makes Delta the first state in Nigeria to begin the building of state-owned CNG Conversion centre to ease the process for their residents.
Aniagwu, who is also the commissioner for rural and riverine roads, explained that Governor Oborevwori decided to pause the introduction of the CNG buses since there was no conversion centre in the state.
He said; “You may want to ask why we are starting now, we had to do a good feasibility study. We felt that we cannot bring in CNG buses when there are no stations to fuel them.
“You must first and foremost have where you will fuel and refuel these vehicles before they can start running. And let me assure you that the fact that they are starting in Asaba does not mean they are stopping here.
“Once this is done, we will move to other major cities, starting with Warri, and, later, the various local government headquarters. So, we believe that once this is done, given the difference between the cost of CNG and PMS, the cost of transportation will definitely come down.
“The government has also assured that all that is needed for them to meet the deadline will be made available. And you heard them mention that this is the first time a governor is practically involved.”
Earlier in his remark, Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, said it was a deliberate effort of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to provide a place for residents of Asaba to convert their petrol – dependent vehicles to CNG- powered ones.
He challenged the company to ensure that it made good use of the place provided for the take -off of the project, in addition to sticking to quality standard in handling the project.
Emu said Governor Oborevwori “takes seriously the issue of timeliness and quality” and warned that the state would not hesitate to revoke the MoU if the company failed to perform accordingly.
He said; “we have shown commitment by providing you with a 3,000 square meters facility in the heart of Asaba.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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”, he added.
The team later moved to the site of the project on Summit Road by Inter Bau Roundabout, Asaba for official handle over.
They were conducted round by the Commissioner for Transport, Mr Onoriode Agofure, who disclosed that CNG was more cost- effective than petrol and called on citizens to embrace it.
The Chief Operating Officer of NIPCO Gas Limited, Mr Sanjay Tarat, appreciated Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other top officials of the state for facilitating the process.
“I appreciate Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for this opportunity and the Commissioner for Transport. Delta State is the first state in Nigeria to have provided this kind of location for our CNG.
“We definitely promised the Commissioner that we will need six months to complete it. But be rest assured that this job will be completed before then and we will prove it.
“The only thing is that we have to follow all the laws and rules. We definitely know that this being the first station will not be the last station. So, we are very thankful to the Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori and Delta State Government.”
