Firm unveils first gas-powered buses in Nigeria
Lagos -- An indigenous energy firm, OMAA, has rolled out Nigeria’s first locally-assembled natural gas-powered buses and are already producing in volumes.
The roll out took place at its facility in Igbo Ukwu near Nnewi, Anambra State, in the presence of Dr. Ishaku Abner, Technical Assistant (Downstream) to the Hon. Minister of State for Petroleum Resources; Mrs. Pat Igwebuike, Special Adviser to the Anambra State Governor on Legal Matters; and Dr. Mohammed M. Ibrahim, Chairman of the National Gas Expansion Programme, NGEP.
OMAA manufactures factoryfitted dual-fuel vehicles to meet the growing demand of vehicles that run on cleaner energy sources within Nigeria and across Africa. The company showcased its facility and demonstrated its ability to cater to energy demands for the
transportation and energy industry with natural gas.
The event is coming on the heels of the Federal Government’s declaration of the decade of gas, a commitment to diversify the economy and see Nigeria develop and commercialise its gas resources.
According to the NNPC, domestic demand for natural gas will rise from current level of 1.5 billion cubic feet per day, Bcf, to 7.4 Bcf by 2027.
Mr Chinedu Oguegbu, founder and CEO of OMAA, said at the event that the buses are rugged and durable because they are adapted to Nigerian roads, adding that the company is expanding its network nationwide to ensure quality aftersales and availability of spare parts.
Speaking at the roll-out, Dr Mohamed M. Ibrahim, said: “OMAA has been a robust partner of the National Gas Expansion Programme and there is no doubt that the company is on track to make a tremendous impact in the energy and transportation industries”
In her remarks, Mrs Pat Igwebuike stated: “it is delightful to see such innovative developments take place in Anambra State. With this technology, I believe that OMAA will eventually become a staple brand in the industry”.
Taking advantage of the African Union’s latest charter on free trade, Oguegbu noted “with AfCFTA already in force we hope to expand our service beyond Nigerian borders, exploring opportunities in Africa’s 54 countries and 1.2 billion population”.