Drivers and park operators have urged the management of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, to increase its investment in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in Taraba State.

This call was made at the ongoing Stakeholders’ Sensitization Programme in Taraba State.

The exercise, which is an ongoing program, revealed NNPC’s efforts to increase awareness and core understanding of the oil and gas industry’s role in national development while enlightening stakeholders on the efficient use of petroleum products.

The exercise tagged: NNPC & You, the sensitisation campaign got to a flying start at the popular Taraba State Transport Company (TSTC), Park in Jalingo with commercial vehicle drivers and park operators commending the NNPC Ltd. for the introduction of CNG as a viable alternative to petrol.

While lauding the company for the CNG initiative, TSTC Park Manager, Abdullahi Musa, however appealed that the product be made available to motorists in the state, adding that “NNPC Ltd. should extend hours of operation of its retail outlets to improve service delivery and eliminate likely queues.”

At the Jalingo motor park, Danjuma Hayatu, called on NNPC Ltd. to enforce existing regulations which prohibits the sale of petrol in kegs and jerry cans, noting that though “nobody can buy fuel in cans inside NNPC Retail stations” yet we find people hawking fuel on the streets of Jalingo.

Also, at the Pullo Motor Park, Ali Salandy Wukari, echoed the CNG request and appealed to the NNPC Ltd. to work out a hire purchase arrangement that would enable drivers and vehicle operators have access to the CNG powered vehicles under a pocket friendly approach.

The NNPC Ltd. team later visited two more major parks in Taraba namely; The People Choice and NARTO Park where stakeholders’ harped on the need for NNPC Ltd. to sustain the sensitization exercise by making the programme a periodic event and not a one-off activity.

Remarkably, the interest shown by drivers and park operators in CNG is a significant development, as CNG is adjudged and perceived as cleaner and more environmentally friendly fuel option.

The sensitization exercise, which was attended by drivers, commuters, and other stakeholders in the community, featured presentations on the safe and efficient use of petroleum products, as well as the importance of adhering to safety protocols at retail stations.

Just like the earlier exercise in Maiduguri, Borno state, some lucky stakeholders went home with gift items and freebies following raffle draws at various motor parks.