Bayelsa State Govt signs deal to establish CNG plant

Bayelsa State Government Partners Innoson Vehicles to Establish CNG Plant

In a significant stride toward sustainable development and industrialization, the Bayelsa State Government has entered into a strategic partnership with Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) Limited to establish a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicle assembly plant in the state.

This landmark agreement was unveiled during a high-profile visit by Innoson’s founder and CEO, Innocent Chukwuma, to Governor Douye Diri at the Government House in Yenagoa.

The initiative is poised to transform Bayelsa’s transportation and industrial landscape. According to Chukwuma, the CNG plant will not only bolster the state’s transportation infrastructure but also serve as a catalyst for job creation, skills development, and environmental sustainability.

The facility is expected to generate over 1,000 direct jobs and thousands more indirectly through ancillary services such as logistics, maintenance, and local manufacturing support.

The plant will focus on assembling modern CNG-powered vehicles, including buses, ambulances, and utility vehicles. These vehicles are designed to reduce carbon emissions and promote cleaner energy alternatives, aligning with Nigeria’s broader goal of achieving its renewable energy targets by 2030. The project underscores a growing national shift toward alternative fuels in response to global climate commitments and the need for more affordable transportation solutions.

Kamsi Ejiofor, the Corporate Communications Manager of Innoson, emphasized that the plant will introduce cutting-edge technology and innovation to Bayelsa, enhancing mobility and public service efficiency. He noted that the project would also stimulate local content development and attract further investments into the state’s economy.

Governor Douye Diri welcomed the partnership, describing it as a milestone in his administration’s efforts to diversify the state’s economy and reduce its dependence on oil revenues. He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for investors and highlighted the importance of industrialization in achieving long-term economic resilience.

This development places Bayelsa in a competitive position alongside other major players in Nigeria’s emerging CNG market, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and the Dangote Group. Innoson’s move is seen as a bold step to not only compete with these giants but also to champion indigenous innovation and manufacturing in the country.

The CNG plant project is part of a broader vision by the Bayelsa State Government to embrace renewable energy and green technology. It complements other recent initiatives, such as the signing of a solar panel production deal, further signaling the state’s commitment to a diversified and sustainable energy future.