Business
NIPCo Gas Converts 15,000 CNG Vehicles … Moves To Sustain Investment In Gas Sector
NIPCO Gas Limited has called for a robust industry-wide collaboration to develop the country’s gas utilization strategy.
This follows its convertion of 15,000 vehicles with plans underway to expand operations further to meet the growing demand for CNG.
The company, which pioneered private sector initiative in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) drive, said private-public sector collaboration would help to improve current investment in gas utilization.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO), NIPCo, Nagendra Verma, made the call while reviewing activities in the sub-sector, in Lagos, at the Weekend.
Sharing the remarkable progress of NIPCO Gas Ltd. in recent months, especially its dedicated investment in the CNG space as an alternative fuel, Verma said the call was enunciated by the current administration’s commitment to sustain energy efficiency and enhance economic development.
Verma said the NIPCO Gas Ltd. has sustained collaboration with NNPC Limited and the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGI) to expand CNG stations, conversion workshops and availability of CNG kits across Nigeria.
This commitment, he said, underscored its vision of providing cleaner, more affordable, and sustainable energy solutions.
“We are proud to announce that NIPCO Gas Ltd has been awarded Gas Distribution Licenses (GDL) by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Federal Government.
“This milestone highlights its pioneering role in the sub-sector and strengthens investor confidence in Nigeria’s gas industry”, he said.
The exclusivity period of 25 years granted under these licenses prevents infrastructure duplication, ensuring efficiency and national resource optimization, he added.
The Gas Distribution Licenses Awarded to NIPCO Gas Ltd. include Ibadan Axis (Ogere-Ibadan-Oluyole-Olorisaoko-Asejire-Ajoda); NIPCO Gas/NGML, Benin City; NIPCO Gas, Lekki Free Trade Zone; NIPCO Gas/NGML, Kara-Sagamu-Abeokuta-Ibadan Axis (Sagamu Interchange-Ibafo-Isheri-Otedola Bridge); and NIPCO Gas/NGML.
With these awards, NIPCO Gas Ltd. now stands as Nigeria’s largest indigenous licensed gas distribution company.
This achievement, according to the MD, “is a testament to its unwavering commitment and the continuous support of stakeholders like you.
“Our operational performance has been exceptional, with significant strides in supply chain efficiency, expansion of CNG infrastructure, customer satisfaction, and an increased market share.
“We have successfully commissioned several CNG stations across Abuja, Lagos, Edo, Delta, Ogun, Oyo, Kogi, and Akwa Ibom states. Our joint venture with NNPC Gas Marketing Limited (NGML) has strengthened industrial gas supply, particularly in the Lekki and Lagos-Ibadan corridors.”
Verma further stated that the NIPCO Gas has entered into agreement with Delta State to construct CNG station and CNG conversion workshop initially in Asaba.
“We are hoping to increase the number of CNG stations and conversion workshops in Delta State with the support of government. Delta State has provided the land for this facility, which is very proactive and welcoming stel taken by them. We are sure, with such type of public private partnership, it will provide speed to the Presidential CNG initiative”, he said.
On CNG adoption and accessibility, he said the company is actively working with PCNGI to increase the availability of CNG conversion kits and workshops.
He stated that “By forging partnerships with local and international suppliers, we are committed to making conversion kits more affordable and efficient. Educating Nigerians on the benefits and safety of CNG remains our top priority, and we count on the media to play a pivotal role in this effort.”
According to him, “Our strategic vision includes launching additional CNG stations nationwide and enhancing infrastructure such as pipelines and storage facilities. However, challenges persist, including the need for a more streamlined, time-bound regulatory approval system to fast-track the expansion of CNG infrastructure.
“We appreciate the government’s ongoing efforts under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to ease industry bottlenecks and provide a supportive policy framework.”
Verma, expressed hopes that with the right policies and infrastructure, CNG can play a transformative role in Nigeria’s energy mix, saying, “As an organization, NIPCO Gas remains committed to advancing the use of indigenous natural gas, supporting economic growth, and aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President.”
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Fresh explosions have hit oil and gas pipelines in Odau Community, in Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State, triggering a major security and environmental crisis that has forced residents to abandon their homes.
The first incident occurred along the Kolo Creek – Rumuekpe crude oil pipelines, operated by Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited.
This was followed by a gas pipeline explosion on the Ogboinbiri – Obirikom Gas Pipeline, operated by Oando Plc, in the same week.
In a statement by the Abua/Odual Council Chairman, Hon. Owolobi Michael Ofori said the blasts, suspected to be the handiwork of militants, have unleashed persistent gas leakage in the area, raising fears of fire outbreaks and toxic exposure as residents of Odau have largely deserted the community due to the dangerous situation.
According to him, some residents of the area have been hospitalised after inhaling the leaking gas, adding that the impact has spread to neighbouring communities, including Obedum, Emirikpoko, and Anyu in Abua/Odual LGA, as well as Oruma and Ibelebiri in Bayelsa State.
Hon. Ofori expressed deep concern over the plight of the affected residents and urged the operating companies to act swiftly.
The Council expressed its deepest sympathy to all affected persons and communities and remained gravely concerned about the safety, health, and welfare of residents whose lives and livelihoods have been disrupted by these incidents.
“We call on Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited and Oando Plc to immediately deploy all necessary technical and emergency response resources to contain the fires, halt the gas leakage, secure the affected pipeline corridors, and mitigate further environmental and public health risks.” the Council Chairman Said.
The chairman also appealed to the two oil firms to provide immediate humanitarian assistance and relief materials to the displaced residents while work continues to restore normalcy.
The Council Chairman said he is working closely with security agencies and emergency responders to monitor the situation and coordinate necessary interventions.
The Council Boss advised Residents of the Local Government Area to remain calm, cooperate with authorities, and adhere strictly to safety directives.
Ofori further called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), the Rivers State Government, and other relevant bodies to intervene urgently to prevent loss of lives and environmental damage.
Hon. Ofori assured that the council remains committed to the protection and welfare of its people and will continue to engage all stakeholders to resolve the crisis.
Enoch Epelle
Fidelity Bank Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment, financial inclusion and entrepreneurship through a strategic partnership with the Youth Economic Intervention and De-radicalization Programme (YEIDEP), a Federal Government-backed initiative aimed at equipping young Nigerians with the skills, support and opportunities needed to build sustainable livelihoods.
Under the partnership, the bank will support the enrolment of students and young people into the YEIDEP programme, which is designed to tackle youth unemployment, promote enterprise development and expand economic participation among Nigeria’s growing youth population.
The next phase of the initiative is scheduled to end today at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, where the enrolment exercise for students and youths across the South-East that started since July 1st would be concluded at the university’s Convocation Arena.
The exercise is expected to reach more than 60,000 regular undergraduate students.
Speaking on the partnership, Fidelity Bank’s Divisional Head, Product Development, Osita Ede, said youth empowerment remains central to the bank’s vision of building a more inclusive and prosperous society.
He noted that Nigeria’s youths represent the country’s greatest asset and stressed that providing them with the right skills, opportunities and financial support is critical to unlocking their potential and driving national development.
According to Ede, the bank continues to provide young Nigerians with tools for success through its digital banking platforms, financial literacy initiatives, youth-focused products and strategic partnerships.
He added that Fidelity Bank recognises that limited access to funding, mentorship and business development support remains a major challenge for many aspiring entrepreneurs, and is committed to creating pathways that will help them overcome these barriers.
The bank said its support for YEIDEP aligns with its longstanding commitment to empowering Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which it described as key drivers of economic growth and job creation in Nigeria.
Interested students and youths have been encouraged to open Fidelity Bank accounts and register for the programme through the bank’s dedicated online portal.
Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has launched a multi-agency task force to combat the resurgence of traffic gridlock choking the Lagos Port access roads, in a fresh push to restore seamless cargo evacuation and sustain recent gains in Port efficiency.
The intervention followed a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Managing Director of NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, on June 23rd, 2026, where security agencies, freight forwarders, truck operators and representatives of the Lagos State Government agreed on coordinated measures to eliminate the bottlenecks disrupting cargo movement.
At the meeting, stakeholders identified illegal extortion points, overlapping responsibilities among security agencies and other operational distortions as major factors responsible for the renewed congestion along the port corridor.
Speaking on the outcome of the meeting, the NPA’s General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Mr. Ikechukwu Onyemakara, said the Authority’s overriding priority is to guarantee the unhindered movement of cargo to and from the nation’s seaports.
According to him, the task force comprises the NPA, the Police, the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO).
“The responsibility of the task force is to monitor truck movement on the Port access roads on a regular basis, identify any disruption capable of causing gridlock and immediately resolve such challenges,” Onyemakara said.
He stressed that members of the task force would not establish checkpoints along the corridor but would maintain strategic presence at designated locations to ensure compliance without obstructing traffic.
To enhance rapid response, Onyemakara disclosed that the task force has created a dedicated WhatsApp platform through which members can instantly report infractions or emerging traffic issues for immediate intervention.
On the long-delayed renewal of the Electronic Truck Call-Up (ETO) system contract, the NPA spokesman said the Authority is reviewing the terms to ensure a more robust contractual framework before awarding a fresh agreement.
He explained that although the previous contract had expired, the ETO platform remains operational under the management of the Truck Transit Parks (TTP) pending completion of the procurement process.
He expressed confidence that the renewal would be concluded soon.
Reaffirming the Authority’s commitment to maintaining free-flowing Port access roads, Onyemakara said efficient logistics remain central to the NPA’s drive to improve Nigeria’s Port competitiveness and preserve its growing international reputation.
“We are more interested in the free flow of logistics into our ports than anyone else because it is in our own interest,” he said
Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos
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