NGA commends FG’s refocus on autogas, supports subsidy removal

The Nigerian Gas Association (NGA) has pledged its support for the Federal Government’s renewed focus on prioritising autogas to cushion the effects of the removal of subsidy on the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) also known as petrol.

According to a statement by the Association, this policy leaning is very apt as it accelerates the domestic adoption and utilisation of gas, “a resource that the country is most endowed with.”

“Gas for the transportation sector and also for users of small generators, whether powered by Liquefied Petroleum Gas or Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), is one of the most affordable, available, safe, and reliable fuels that also substantially addresses global carbon emission concerns and the wellbeing of the environment.

“To achieve this, the NGA urges the Federal Government to revisit and accelerate the implementation of the Nigerian Autogas Policy launched two years ago as part of the National Gas Expansion Programme (NGEP) under the well-articulated Decade of Gas Policy and Programme,” the statement read.

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Akachukwu Nwokedi, the President of the Association, said that the refocus on gas as an alternative fuel for passengers, mass transit vehicles, and users of small generators will encourage and stimulate investment, promote capacity building, and put more people to work.

According to him, it will also engender safety and sustainability in the country’s responsible energy use while helping Nigeria meet its carbon emission reduction goal set before global environmental stakeholders in 2021. He said that gas is cleaner, safer, and more reliable and should naturally be the fuel of first choice.

“We salute the steadfastness of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR in his quest to return Nigeria to responsible and sustainable energy utilisation.

We are also elated about his recognition of the critical and game-changing role that gas would play in actualising this policy direction and help build the nation.”

“The members of the NGA are very keen to support the implementation of the autogas policy and stand ready to commence the strategic engagements and enlightenment campaigns to make it happen.”

Nwokedi also urged the FG to put in place and fast-track the necessary instruments and regulatory support to address long-standing issues to unlock the full potential of the gas sector.