News Investigators/ Peter Ameh, Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Kogi East Senatorial District, has urged the Federal Government to invest more in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) infrastructure as a measure to widen access and reduce transportation costs.
Mr Ameh made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Tuesday.
He expressed concern over the rising cost of petrol and its impact on Nigerians, particularly households and commuters bearing the burden of increased fares and rising prices of goods and services.
The candidate said CNG was a viable alternative to petrol that could reduce dependence on the product.
He added that adequate investment in the sector would provide motorists with more affordable transportation options.
“CNG offers an alternative to petrol, and the government should invest more in the sector to make it accessible and affordable to Nigerians.
“This will help reduce the financial pressure on households and other end users,” he said.
The senatorial candidate claimed the removal of petrol subsidy was not accompanied by adequate planning and effective policies to cushion its impact on citizens.
According to him, the policy has contributed to economic difficulties for many Nigerians, particularly low-income earners who spend a significant proportion of their income on transportation and other essentials.
“The removal of fuel subsidy should have been supported by well-designed measures to protect vulnerable Nigerians.
“Unfortunately, the rising cost of transportation and essential commodities has continued to affect the standard of living of many households,” he said.
Mr Ameh urged the Federal Government to expand CNG infrastructure by establishing refuelling stations in urban centres, rural communities and major transport corridors across the country.
He said availability of CNG stations would encourage motorists and transport operators to switch to the alternative fuel.
“CNG centres should be established across the country, including in rural areas, so that motorists can have easy access to the fuel.
“Accessibility is essential if the initiative is to achieve its intended benefits,” he said.
He also urged the government to introduce incentives and support programmes to encourage vehicle owners and commercial transport operators to convert their vehicles to CNG, while ensuring that conversion services meets appropriate safety standards.
According to him, government should collaborate with relevant stakeholders to make vehicle conversion more affordable and provide adequate technical support for motorists willing to adopt the fuel.
Mr Ameh further called for greater transparency and accountability in the utilisation of funds saved from petrol subsidy removal, urging government to ensure that the savings translated into tangible improvements in citizens’ welfare.
“The government should demonstrate the benefits of subsidy removal through visible improvements in infrastructure and public services.
“Nigerians want to see how the resources saved are being used to improve their lives,” he said.
He listed good roads, reliable electricity, accessible healthcare, quality education and other essential amenities as areas requiring sustained investment to improve living conditions.
The NDC candidate said economic reforms should be accompanied by practical measures to ease the burden on citizens, particularly workers, small business owners and transport operators affected by rising costs.
He urged FG to adopt a comprehensive approach that combines investment in alternative energy, improved public infrastructure and social support programmes to promote economic stability and improve living standards.
Mr Ameh expressed optimism that sustained investment in CNG and other alternative energy sources would help reduce transportation expenses, support businesses and contribute to long-term economic development.
NAN
