The Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion and training centre located in Calabar, capital of Cross river State and inaugurated by the state Gov. Bassey Otu on Oct. 18, 2024 was yet to commence operation.
The CNG conversion centre was part of the presidential initiative aimed at promoting an affordable and sustainable energy future following the removal of fuel subsidies.
It was learnt that no activity relating to the purpose for which the centre was inaugurated has been taking place there since its inauguration.
The center located right in the heart of the city center has remained under lock and key.
A commercial transport operator, Mr Sylvanus Ada, said all inquiries about the conversion of their vehicles have not been responded to by the authorities.
Ada said the leadership of the transporters were invited to witness the inauguration of the centre.
“We were all interested in the project because of the cost effectiveness of CNG usage in our line of business.
“The information we got then was that we had to pay about N500, 000 each for our vehicles to be converted or enabled CNG complaint.
“In spite of the high cost, we were still interested because of the economic and environmental benefits CNG offered but as we speak, nothing has been heard of the initiative,” he said.
Similarly, a commercial driver who shuttles Calabar, Ikom, and Ogoja, Mr Jonas Peter, said it was unfortunate the initiative was yet to benefit motorists in the area.
Peter regretted that each time he drove past the centre, the place was always devoid of any activity.
“As usual, they have proven me right because I was sceptical about its possibility during the inauguration,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the state government said though there was delay in putting the centre to use, the plan behind its inauguration had not been abandoned.
The Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Ekpenyong Cobham, tsaid the state government was doing everything possible to bring down the cost of transportation.
Cobham said the management of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI ) was at the verge of visiting the state.
“It is not possible for Cross River to abandon an initiative like the CNG which is very beneficial to the state in terms of the cost effectiveness of CNG,” he said
