FG partners Femadec Energy to establish CNG centres in varsities

The Federal Government has announced plans to establish Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion centres and refuelling stations in 20 federal tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

The initiative, led by the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF) in collaboration with Femadec Energy, aims to promote clean energy adoption and reduce transportation costs for students and lecturers.

The announcement was conveyed in a statement posted on the official X (formerly Twitter) account of the Presidency of Nigeria on Monday.

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“In alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to affordable, clean, and sustainable energy, the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF), in collaboration with Femadec Energy, is set to establish Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion centres and refuelling stations across 20 federal tertiary institutions nationwide,” the statement read in part.

The statement further noted that the Minister of Education, Dr. Morufu Olatunji Alausa, recently met with Vice-Chancellors and representatives from MDGIF, Femadec Energy, and the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) to finalise project details and ensure timely execution.

Six of the institutions are expected to have fully operational CNG facilities by May 29, 2025.

Dr. Alausa emphasized the project’s importance, noting that it would help lower transportation costs for students and lecturers while advancing clean energy integration within educational institutions.

“This initiative not only aims to reduce transportation costs for our students and lecturers but also represents a pivotal step towards integrating clean energy solutions within our educational institutions,” he said

A representative from Femadec Energy also reinforced the project’s commitment to sustainability, stating that the partnership with MDGIF and federal institutions reflects a dedication to promoting sustainable energy.

FG partners Femadec Energy to establish CNG centres in varsities

SGF delays appointment letters of River Basin new executives

Despite approval by President Bola Tinubu in December last year, the newly selected executives have not assumed office as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) has not given the appointees official letters.

This is said to be due to a directive from the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev.

In a letter dated January 14, 2024, Utsev instructed the caretaker managing directors of the 12 River Basins to retain their positions until the SGF issues formal appointment letters.

The delay, now stretching beyond three months, has left the appointees in a limbo.

Many are questioning why the SGF, Senator George Akume, has not followed through with the President’s directive.

Addressing the issue in Abuja on Monday, Akume said the delay was to allow for an internal review of the appointments.

The Director of Information in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), Segun Imohiosen, who spoke on behalf of Akume, reassured that the process was underway.

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“I am aware of the development, and I can assure you that an internal review concerning the appointments is being carried out. As soon as it is concluded, we will make it public,” he said, without specifying a timeline.

As a result, caretaker officials continue to oversee the 12 River Basin Development Authorities, prolonging concerns over inefficiencies within the system.

One of the appointees said, “The entire thing is confusing. We have a mandate to contribute to the actualisation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President in the agricultural sector. But here we are waiting endlessly to hit the ground running.”

Complaints from certain states regarding the appointees may have contributed to the delay, prompting a review by the SGF office.

Among the affected River Basin Authorities is the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority, covering Kano, Jigawa, and Bauchi.

Six officials were appointed, including Mamman Aliyu (Chairman, Jigawa), Rabiu Bichi (Managing Director, Kano), Tijjani Isa (Executive Director, Planning and Design, Jigawa), Zainab Gamawa (Executive Director, Agric Services, Bauchi), Baffa Abdulkadir (Executive Director, Engineering, Kano), and Musa Kwankwaso (Executive Director, Finance, Kano).

Similarly, the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority has six new appointees, while the Upper Benue, Chad Basin, Benin-Owena, Niger Delta, Upper Niger, Lower Niger, Lower Benue, Anambra-Imo, Cross River, and Sokoto Rima River Basin Authorities each have six designated executives awaiting confirmation.

SGF delays appointment letters of River Basin new executives

Man accused of strangulating girlfriend to death in A-Ibom

OPERATIVES of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested one Ndifreke Nelson for allegedly strangling her girlfriend, identified as Emem Effanga, to death in her apartment over phone.

The Police Public Relations officer, Timfon John, in a statement, yesterday, said the suspect was arrested in a church in Uyo, where he attempted to escape to upon sighting police operatives.