Promoters and advocates of the use and adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) have said that Nigeria stands to gain more economically and in environmental protection through CNG as an alternative to the use of fossil fuels.
   
The President of CNG Prosperity Cooperative Society Limited, Barry Ilefa, made this known during the group’s inauguration event in Abuja, themed ‘Harnessing the CNG Value Chain: Prospects, Opportunities, and Investment for Socio-Economic Growth and Development.
  
According to him, “Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) represents far more than a transition fuel. It is an emblem of the possibility of jobs for our youth, savings for our transport sector, healthier air for our cities, and prosperity for our people.
  
“Nigeria possesses one of the largest proven natural gas reserves in Africa, yet for decades, this immense wealth has been underutilised.
  
“With the right policy support, infrastructure, and community-based investment, CNG can power millions of vehicles, provide affordable energy for households and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), and unlock new industries from conversion kit manufacturing to CNG station construction and CNG-powered logistics.
   
Ilefa said that the cooperative has set a number of ambitious projects, including CNG Drivers’ Villages for affordable housing, healthcare, and fuel to transport workers, car loan and conversion schemes, which allows drivers to shift from petrol to CNG affordably, food and life insurance programmes for members welfare and mass employment through training and certification of CNG technicians and entrepreneurs.
   
“Our food bank fair initiative is already setting the pace by making essential goods accessible to members while supporting rural farmers and producers through bulk sourcing.”