Nagendra Verma, the Managing Director, NIPCO Gas Limited, has said that infrastructural development is key to developing the energy sector in Nigeria.

Verma made this known on Sunday after the conferment of Innovative Gas Company of the Year on the company by Energy Times Newspaper.

According to a statement signed after the awards on Sunday by the Assistant General Manager, Corporate Affairs, NIPCO, Mr Lawal Taofeek, Verma disclosed that since its inception in 2009, NIPCO Gas has been at the forefront of AutoCNG development, with its footprint stretching from Benin City to Ibafo in Ogun State and Kogi State.

The statement read, “The accolade of Most Innovative Gas Company of the Year aptly acknowledges our endeavours in the gas sector, marked by the launch of our inaugural Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) station in Benin City, Edo State, in 2009.

“Currently operating 15 AutoCNG stations nationwide, NIPCO Gas ensures that CNG vehicles originating from Lagos can seamlessly travel as far as Abuja and Kaduna, thanks to strategically located refuelling points along the route.

“The initiative, introduced by NNPC Limited’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mallam Mele Kyari, is set to offer diverse fuel choices to Nigerians in the wake of the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) subsidy removal. The goal is to create a network of CNG stations throughout the country. Under the partnership, NIPCO Gas has committed to the construction of 35 CNG Stations initially across states of Nigeria.

“Presently, NIPCO Gas Limited has 16 CNG outlets and has successfully converted over 8,000 vehicles to CNG. The firm’s expertise and experience are instrumental in supporting the government’s renewed efforts to make fuel more economical and to enhance its beneficial impact on the national economy.

“The partnership between NIPCO Gas and NNPC, under the guidance of the Presidency, underscores a shared commitment to serving the Nigerian populace.

“The honour serves as recognition of our steadfast commitment to deepening gas utilization as an alternative automotive fuel. The distinguished award also underscores NIPCO Gas’s firm unwavering focus on expanding the country’s gas infrastructure. We are honoured to have our efforts in the sector as acknowledged in a significant way as you have done.

“NIPCO Gas stands as a prominent energy enterprise, devoted to providing dependable and sustainable energy solutions to Nigerian communities. Prioritizing innovation and ecological stewardship, NIPCO Gas is determined to drive positive transformation in the energy industry, advocating for cleaner options like AutoCNG to foster a more eco-friendly and sustainable future.

“Reflecting our commitment to capitalizing on the nation’s gas potential, we have consistently invested substantial human and material resources in developing infrastructures that bolster viable energy alternatives for both motorists and industrial applications.

Also speaking, Mr Yakubu Lawal, the Chairman, Editorial Board, Energy Times, said the award is meant to appreciate and recognise those individuals and companies whose works have in one way or the other impacted on the nation’s development.

“As pioneers in the Auto CNG sector , NIPCO has performed excellently which NNPC & FG partners with her to grow gas infrastructure to enable motorist and industries alike to have access to gas as auto fuel.

“The company’s expertise would add value to the nation’s efforts to harness the abundant gas resources in the country as alternative fuel to petrol,” Lawal said.