A leading Gas and Power company in Nigeria Blue Stone Gas and Power Company Limited is to boost the Transportation sector in Cross River State through the provision of hundreds of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered commercial buses and tricycles popularly known as Keke.
This was made known when the Executive Director, Blue Stone Gas and Power Limited, Prince Deji Afolabi alongside Head of the company in Cross River State, Mr. Emmanuel Etim had a meeting with the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Transportation Ekpeyong Cobham in Calabar recently.
Also present at the meeting was the Chairman, Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) Cross River State Chapter, Mr. John Okim and Sir. Clay Ogeh Ekpong.
Speaking, Prince Afolabi said the company had earlier signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Cross River State Government to establish Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) facilities including mother and daughter stations in the state.
He continued that the company has also signed Memorandum of understanding with the University of Cross River State for the training of members of Nigerian Automobile Technicians Association (NATA) on retrofitting diesel and petrol vehicle engine with Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) kits adding that there will also be an ultra modern retrofitting facility established in the state.
He further stated that the last piece of the puzzle is the provision of compressed natural gas (CNG) powered commercial buses and tricycles to members of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) Cross River State Chapter and other interested stakeholders. He added that the company has engaged with RTEAN at both the national and state levels.
Speaking, the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Transport Mr. Ekpenyong Cobham said his ministry is passionate about providing solutions in the sector and the proposal to provide CNG powered commercial buses and tricycles by the company is a welcomed one which will not only boost the public transportation sector but also lower cost of transportation for citizens and residents of the state.
He urged the company to work closely with the ministry, Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) and other stakeholders to ensure that the provision of the CNG powered commercial buses and tricycles are done seamlessly and in time.
Speaking, the Chairman, RTEAN Cross River State chapter Mr. John Okim thanked the Company as well as the Ministry of Transportation for the partnership which will see to the provision of this very important solution that will boost the sector and bring down cost of transportation. He promised that members of the association will ensure the transaction is done without hitches.
The head of the company in Cross River State Mr. Emmanuel Etim assured the Ministry of Transportation that Blue Stone Gas and Power Limited has the competence and resources to execute the project which will be mutually beneficial to all.
