General
NIPCO Cuts Auto CNG to N200/Standard Cubic Feet to Boost Usage
By Adedapo Adesanya
NIPCO has cut the cost of Auto Compressed Natural Gas (Auto CNG) to as low as N200 per standard cubic feet (scm) as part of efforts to promote the use of the fuel as an alternative to Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) also called petrol.
This happened as the company announced the completion of four CNG stations in the commercial city of Lagos.
The facilities would be opened for commercial operations by the end of April or May to become the first of its kind in the state.
The Managing Director of NIPCO Gas Limited, Mr Nagendra Verma said the firm has been involved in AutoCNG development and expansion since 2009.
Mr Verma, who assured sustainability of supply after commissioning said presently, for Cars, Taxis and Keke’s; AutoCNG is being sold at N200/scm against the petrol price of N610 per litre, in Lagos and N230/scm against the PMS price of N670 per litre in Abuja.
He further informed that similarly for heavy commercial vehicles, AutoCNG is being sold at N260/scm against the AGO price of N1,250 litre in Lagos and N290/scm against the AGO price of N1300 litre in Abuja.
“NIPCO Gas is sure that with the continuous focus and push by current government, AutoCNG will become the choice fuel for Nigeria which has the potential to reduce the pressure on importation as well as on Forex,” he added.
According to him, AutoCNG is a project for the masses and of National cause and importance.
“We are sure that once expanded across Nigeria, it will surely and relieve the masses and motorists from high fuel costs. We continuously seek blessings and support of the Government and media to make AutoCNG a reliever, cleaner and greener fuel for Nigeria,” he said.
Speaking on the the company’s strategy, Mr Verma said, initially the company started with Benin City and expanded the AutoCNG network to Ibafo in Ogun State and later on in Kogi State.
He stressed further that with the initiatives and clear mandate by the current government, the AutoCNG network also expanded to Abuja FCT, Ibadan in Oyo State and Oron in Akwa Ibom State.
NIPCO Gas presently operates 15 AutoCNG stations across Nigeria and CNG vehicles from Lagos can travel up to Abuja and Kaduna by taking CNG from in-between NIPCO Gas AutoCNG stations and soon motorists can travel across every nook and cranny of Nigeria.
Under current government directives, NIPCO Gas has partnered with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited for the expansion of AutoCNG stations across various states of Nigeria.
“Partnering with NNPCL under directives from the Presidency brings along a huge sense of responsibility and commitment towards masses of Nigeria and Government.
“NIPCO Gas is honoured with this trust and belief by the Government and NNPCL and has assured that we will not leave any stone unturned to make this AutoCNG expansion plan a reality which will relieve thousands and millions of citizens from the pain they are going through presently,” Mr Verma added.
He also disclosed that under the current partnership, 35 AutoCNG are planned to be constructed in a phased manner.
He also revealed that locations for 19 CNG stations have been identified and the firm has received stage-wise approval from NMDPRA and other statutory authorities.
He said the four CNG stations in Lagos are scheduled to be completed by the latest May 2024, adding, “For making this AutoCNG expansion project a reality, we are getting due support and guidance from all including but not limited to PCNGI, NMDPRA, SON, NNPC, other Ministries and Departments and Media too who are also keen to see this as reality in near future.”
Mr Verma said gas distribution and AutoCNG projects are highly capital-intensive projects that require huge investment and the highest level of commitment and perseverance and expressed hope that with support from all and with a continuous push from the Presidency, the firm will surely make it happen.
He went further to state that NIPCO Gas in addition to AutoCNG is also expanding the gas transportation pipeline towards Ibadan and the gas distribution network in the Lekki Free Zone.
“All these projects require huge investment and high gestation period. Once the above projects are commissioned, it will help in a greater way in deepening the utilisation of indigenous gas which remains under-utilised and reduce dependency on importation of other fossil fuels thereby reducing the pressure on forex,” he added.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, has disclosed that the state government has not restricted the movement of people during the re-introduced monthly environmental sanitation exercise.
Responding to an enquiry by an X user, Faveo Autos, on Saturday, he said the exercise was not brought back to restrict the movement of residents, noting that arresting anyone during the sanitation was unlawful and not backed by law.
However, he encouraged Lagosians to use the period to keep their surroundings clean.
“What is the fine for movement during environmental [sanitation]?” Mr Wahab was asked by Faveo Autos today.
In his response, the Commissioner said, “For clarity, there is no restriction on movement during the monthly environmental sanitation exercise. Consequently, arresting anyone on the basis of movement during the exercise is unlawful and does not represent the position or policy of the Lagos State Government.
“The monthly environmental sanitation exercise was reintroduced primarily to restore and strengthen the culture of environmental cleanliness across the state.
“The initiative is backed by the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017. However, the law does not provide for any restriction on movement during the exercise.
“Our focus is on encouraging Lagosians to embrace environmental sanitation as a civic responsibility and a shared commitment to maintaining a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Lagos, rather than relying on enforcement measures.”
Life is full of unexpected moments that test our patience, strength, and perspective. Everyone experiences setbacks, disappointments, and periods of uncertainty. While these moments can feel overwhelming, they also provide opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery.
One of the most valuable lessons we learn is that difficult situations rarely last forever. Time, reflection, and a willingness to adapt often help us move beyond even the toughest circumstances. Maintaining a positive outlook and focusing on practical solutions can make a significant difference.
Relationships also play an important role in overcoming hardships. Support from family, friends, or mentors reminds us that we are not alone. At the same time, learning to let go of anger and resentment can free us from emotional burdens that prevent us from moving forward.
The only way out of the labyrinth of suffering is to forgive. It is nothing to die. It is frightful not to live. Everything was beautiful and nothing hurt.
Personal growth is not about avoiding challenges but about responding to them with resilience and wisdom. Every experience, whether positive or negative, contributes to the person we become. By embracing change and practicing gratitude, we can create a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
In the end, moving forward requires courage, forgiveness, and hope. When we choose to focus on what we can control instead of dwelling on the past, we open ourselves to new opportunities and a brighter future.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The establishment of four new army divisions has been approved by President Bola Tinubu, bringing the total to 12.
In a statement on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, it was stated that the President also authorised the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel to strengthen national security.
The new divisions created include 5 Division, with the headquarters in Makurdi covering Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi States; 9 Division, with the headquarters in Ilorin covering Kwara and Niger States; 10 Division, with the headquarters in Jalingo covering Taraba and Adamawa States; and 83 Division, with the headquarters in Benin City covering Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States.
It was disclosed that the establishment of the new Divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City will significantly improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, enhance the protection of critical national infrastructure, improve counter-insurgency and internal security operations, and ensure faster military response to emerging threats nationwide.
Implementation of the new force structure will be done in two phases. The first phase, covering the establishment of the 5, 9, and 10 Divisions and the reorganisation of existing formations, will be completed by September 2026. The second phase, involving the establishment of the 83 Division and further reorganisation, is expected to be completed by December 2026.
The statement said the expansion of the Nigerian Army’s structure from eight to twelve divisions will improve the operational effectiveness of the security agency and strengthen national defence capabilities further.
Before now, the Nigerian Army operated 1 Division, with the headquarters in Kaduna covering Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa States; 2 Division, with the headquarters in Ibadan covering Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States; 3 Division, with the headquarters in Jos covering Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe States; 6 Division, with the headquarters in Port Harcourt covering Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States; 7 Division, with the headquarters in Maiduguri covering Borno and Yobe States; 8 Division, with the headquarters in Sokoto covering Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States; 81 Division, with the headquarters in Lagos covering Lagos and Ogun States; and 82 Division, with the headquarters in Enugu covering Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo States.
Mr Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s determination to continue investing in the Armed Forces, ensuring they remain adequately equipped, highly motivated, and fully capable of protecting the nation and guaranteeing the safety and security of all Nigerians.
He lauded the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, and all officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their dedication, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
