By Adeyemi Adekunle
The Jigawa State Government has approved the establishment of a pilot Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion centre in the state capital, Dutse. The initiative, which is part of the state’s broader strategy to reduce fuel costs, is backed by an investment of N117 million.
The announcement was made on Friday by Sagir Musa, the Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sports, and Culture, who revealed that the approval was granted during the Executive Council meeting held the previous day.
The establishment of the CNG conversion centre is a key component of Jigawa State’s response to the challenges created by the recent fuel subsidy removal, which has significantly raised transportation costs and strained household budgets.
Governor Umar Namadi had previously committed to addressing the economic fallout from the subsidy removal. In September, he pledged to set up 27 CNG conversion centres across the state as part of a broader initiative to reduce fuel costs by up to 60%.
This move is expected to provide substantial relief to residents, particularly in rural areas, by offering a more affordable and sustainable fuel alternative.
The establishment of the pilot CNG conversion centre in Dutse will serve as the first step toward the realization of the governor’s promise. The initiative is expected to enhance energy efficiency, promote cleaner fuel options, and contribute to reducing the state’s carbon footprint.
The Executive Council also approved the 2025 proposed budget for the state and the appropriation bills for the 27 local government councils.
These financial plans will soon be presented to the Jigawa House of Assembly for approval, signaling the government’s commitment to sustainable development and fiscal responsibility.
