Governor Alia Moves to Expand CNG Use in Benue, Targets Lower Energy Costs

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia says his administration is working to harness Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as part of efforts to reduce the impact of rising energy costs on households, businesses and the state’s economy.

Alia made the announcement while declaring open a three-day awareness workshop on the Presidential CNG Initiative, themed “The Game Changer”, at the Rev. Fr. Alia Ultra Modern Conference Hall at the Benue State Emergency Management Agency headquarters in Makurdi.

Represented by Deputy Governor Sam Ode, the governor said CNG offered a cheaper, cleaner and more sustainable energy option that could support agricultural production, processing, storage and transportation across the state.

He said his administration was focused on policies capable of stimulating economic activity, creating jobs and improving living standards. According to him, wider adoption of CNG could also create new opportunities for investment and economic development in Benue.

Alia said the initiative was particularly important as rising transportation and energy costs continued to put pressure on households and businesses. He described the workshop as the beginning of a structured programme covering public awareness, capacity building, investment mobilisation and practical CNG deployment.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to pursue partnerships, infrastructure and technical capacity needed to make CNG more accessible across the state. He also acknowledged the Federal Government and other organisations supporting Nigeria’s transition towards cleaner and more affordable energy sources.

Benue Commissioner for Power, Renewable Energy and Transport, Joseph Jir, said the initiative was about more than replacing petrol with gas. He described CNG as an alternative energy source with the potential to provide a cleaner and more affordable option for residents and businesses.

Chairman of the Benue State Steering Committee on Coalbed Methane and Allied Resources, Ambassador Nicholas Agbo Ella, said the project could provide access to cheaper energy while the workshop would help residents understand the benefits and safety requirements associated with CNG.

The state CNG coordinator and Technical Adviser to the Governor on National Gas and Renewable Energy, Engineer Jonathan Ashir, who unveiled the project, said it was designed to reduce the high costs associated with petrol and gas use in business activities. He said the initiative would support wider efforts to lower energy-related expenses across Benue.