Abuja Reports

P-CNGI Assures Nationwide Availability of CNG with Comprehensive Roadmap

Published

2 years ago

December 19, 2023

Engr Michael Oluwagbemi, the Programme Director of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNGI), has given a firm assurance to Nigerians regarding the widespread availability of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) throughout the country. Addressing the public on Tuesday, the 19th, during a seminar titled “NIGERIA’S CNG REVOLUTION: SEIZING SUSTAINABLE OPPORTUNITIES” held at Transcorp Hotels in Abuja, he detailed a robust roadmap for the initiative’s success.

Oluwagbemi highlighted the strategic plan in place, emphasizing the P-CNGI’s commitment to providing sustainable energy solutions, particularly at the grassroots level. The programme aims to establish 23 compressing stations nationwide, with a target of 37 CNG daughter stations, ultimately achieving a network of 2,322 CNG stations across Nigeria by the year 2027.

The Programme Director outlined key aspects of the initiative, including an initial pilot supply of 55,000 CNG conversion kits for vehicles at discounted rates, designed to encourage domestic usage. Plans for the development of auto gas workshops and the training of technicians are underway to ensure a seamless transition. The initiative also focuses on regulatory measures, safety standards, and incentives for private partnerships to broaden its reach.

To strengthen the value chain, the P-CNGI is collaborating with upstream, mainstream, and downstream entities to secure a consistent gas supply. Oluwagbemi affirmed the initiative’s commitment to integration, ensuring the availability of CNG at the grassroots level.

During a panel discussion, Baruwa, the President of the Nigerian Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), expressed the union’s support for the P-CNGI and pledged to educate Nigerians about the initiative, guiding them on when and where to convert vehicles and refill their CNG tanks.

Prince Segun Obayendo, the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria boss, stressed the importance of adequate regulation for conversion kits, well-trained technicians, retrofitters, and comprehensive training for station operators to ensure the success and sustainability of the CNG initiative. The collaboration between the P-CNGI and key stakeholders reflects a concerted effort to revolutionize Nigeria’s energy landscape with a focus on accessibility and sustainability.

Abuja Reports

FCTA Approves Multi-Billion-Naira Infrastructure Contracts

Published

10 hours ago

January 16, 2026

Samson Adeyanju

By Patrick Idowu

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Executive Committee (EXCO), chaired by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has approved the ratification of several multi-billion-naira contracts aimed at improving key infrastructure and essential services in Abuja.

The approvals were given at the committee’s first meeting of 2026, held at the minister’s official residence in Life Camp.

Briefing journalists, Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, said EXCO ratified a N3.79 billion contract for the emergency rehabilitation and resurfacing of roads within the Presidential Villa.

He explained that the intervention, handled by Julius Berger Plc, addressed over 30 years of wear on the roads.

EXCO also ratified a N9.8 billion contract for the construction of the Kabusa/Ketti road, completed and commissioned in June 2025. Dauda said the project was fast-tracked to address insecurity and improve access following past kidnapping incidents in the area.

In addition, the committee approved a N1.7 billion emergency contract awarded to SCC Nigeria Limited for erosion control and the restoration of major water transmission lines from the Lower Usuma Dam to avert disruption of Abuja’s water supply.

The Secretary for Education, Danlami Hayyo, disclosed that EXCO also ratified a N62 million facility management contract for the Korea Model School, noting that the FCTA has fully taken over its management to sustain high standards in basic education.

Abuja Reports

2027: Atiku’s Son Defects to APC, Backs Tinubu’s Re-Election

Published

16 hours ago

January 16, 2026

Samson Adeyanju

By Patrick Idowu

Abubakar Atiku Abubakar, son of former Vice President and 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), pledging support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

The defection was announced on Thursday at the National Assembly, Abuja, where Abubakar, popularly known as Abba, was formally received by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, alongside APC leaders from the North-East.

Addressing party leaders, Abba announced his resignation from the PDP and declared his decision to join the APC, describing the move as personal and historic. He also directed members of his political platform, the Haske Atiku Organisation, to defect to the APC and mobilise support for Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“I am here today to formally announce my exit from my former party and my decision to join the APC. I will work with Senator Barau to actualise President Tinubu’s second-term bid in 2027,” he said.

Welcoming him, APC National Vice Chairman (North-East), Mustapha Salihu, described the defection as symbolic and far-reaching, saying it reflected growing support for the Tinubu administration’s policies.

Senator Barau hailed the move as bold and principled, noting that Abba was motivated by belief in Tinubu’s leadership and reforms. He assured him of full support within the party.

The event’s highlight was the renaming of Abba’s political structure from Haske Atiku Organisation to Haske Bola Tinubu Organisation, signalling a complete political realignment ahead of the 2027 elections.

Abuja Reports

Seven Injured as Bullion Van Collides With Car in Abuja

Published

16 hours ago

January 16, 2026

Samson Adeyanju

By Patrick Idowu

No fewer than seven people, including a police escort, were injured on Wednesday in an accident involving a bullion van and a Toyota Camry near the Julius Berger roundabout along the Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway, Abuja.

The crash occurred around 2:45 p.m. after the bullion van reportedly rammed into the Camry from behind, causing extensive damage to the car and triggering a traffic gridlock on the busy expressway.

A witness, Hassan Umar, said the impact caused the bullion van to somersault several times before landing in a drainage.

He added that three occupants of the van were immediately evacuated, while the cash it was conveying was transferred to a backup escort vehicle.

Umar identified occupants of the Camry who sustained injuries as Ibrahim Isaac, 31, the driver, Muhammad Obago, 32, Sanni Uzanga, 30, and Kabiru Usman, 25. The injured were rushed to the National Hospital, Abuja, for treatment.

Police officers at the scene confirmed responding to a distress call, noting that investigations have commenced to determine the cause of the accident.