The House of Representatives has commenced an investigation into the implementation of the Federal Government’s Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) policy.
In his remark at the opening of an investigative hearing on Thursday in Abuja, the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, said the policy was a key component of the country’s energy transition initiative.
The speaker, who was represented at the hearing by a lawmaker from Katsina State, Sada Soli, said the policy represents a strategic shift toward cleaner, safer, and more economically viable alternatives to conventional fossil fuels, especially in the transportation sector.
He added that the policy was a response to the removal of fuel subsidies as a palliative and long-term solution to cushion the effects of high petrol prices.
According to Abbas, the policy was expected to reduce transportation costs, improve air quality, and stimulate industrial development across the gas value chain.
He, however, noted that concerns had been raised on the pace of implementation, infrastructural readiness, safety standards, and the sustainability framework for the initiative.
The speaker said: “Our concern is not just about the intentions of the policy, but the mechanisms of its execution.
“Are the funds appropriated being judiciously utilised? Are Nigerians feeling the impact?
“Are safety and environmental standards being upheld? Are stakeholders being adequately carried along?
“This hearing is, therefore, a platform to hear directly from the relevant agencies of government, operators, industry experts and the Nigerian people themselves.
“It is also an opportunity for accountability and constructive dialogue on how to ensure the successful rollout of the CNG policy in the interest of national development.”
Earlier, the Chairman of the House Ad hoc Committee on the Implementation of CNG policy, Usman Jaha, said the policy risked failure without urgent transparency and stronger oversight.
Jaha raised questions on the accessibility, sustainability, and equity of the CNG rollout in the country.
