Rivers State has been urged to use Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to cut air pollution, lower transport costs, and create more jobs for residents.
Petroleum engineer and environmental safeguards specialist Owhonda Nkeiruka made the call in a recent statement, stressing that CNG could play a role in Rivers State’s transition to cleaner energy.
Owhonda said adopting CNG should go beyond energy policy, as CNG could also improve health, transportation, employment and environmental protection.
Owhonda noted that Rivers, despite its oil and gas resources, continues to face serious environmental problems, including black soot, industrial emissions, gas flaring and pollution from vehicles.
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Owhonda said many commercial buses, taxis and tricycles still rely on petrol and diesel, contributing to exhaust pollution around roads, markets, motor parks and major junctions in Port Harcourt and other parts of Rivers State.
Owhonda described the situation as a contradiction for a state with gas resources, but residents continue to experience the environmental effects of conventional fuels.
Owhonda said CNG provides an opportunity for Rivers to turn Rivers’ gas wealth into benefits for Rivers people.
CNG, which is mainly methane stored under pressure, burns cleaner than petrol and diesel and produces lower levels of particulate matter and other harmful pollutants.
Owhonda urged the state government to support CNG adoption through policies and infrastructure, saying CNG adoption could create new opportunities for businesses and workers while improving air quality across Rivers.
