Moses Uwagbale
OMAA Global, an indigenous energy company, has rolled out Nigeria’s first locally assembled natural gas-powered buses.
The technology is a boost to the Federal Government’s autogas scheme.
A statement posted on the company’s website said the rollout took place recently at its facility in Igbo Ukwu near Nnewi, Anambra, in the presence of Dr Ishaku Abner, Technical Assistant (Downstream) to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources.
Also in attendance at the rollout are Mrs Pat Igwebuike, Special Adviser to the Anambra State Governor on Legal Matters and Dr Mohammed Ibrahim, Chairman of the National Gas Expansion Programme (NGEP).
Mr Chinedu Oguegbu, Founder of OMAA, said the move was the beginning of a trend that would revolutionise not just the transport industry but also the energy industry in Nigeria.
Oguegbu said the rollout of the buses would accelerate utilisation of the abundant natural gas resources that Nigeria was endowed with.
He noted that the buses were rugged and more durable because of adaptation to Nigerian roads.
Oguegbu added that the company was expanding its network nationwide to ensure quality after sales and availability of spare parts.
“With the African Continental Free Trade Agreement already in force , we hope to expand our service beyond Nigerian borders, exploring opportunities in Africa’s 54 countries and 1.2 billion population.”
“Whatever the need for our development and industrialisation as a people today, we should be sustainable in our approach and think of the livelihood of future generations.
“Whether we like it or not, climate change is real and the use of gas as a transition fuel reduces the damage done by biomass, not just to the environment but to human health,” Oguegbu noted.
He said the company plans to introduce a wider portfolio of solutions to address the energy demand in the residential, commercial and industrial markets, using natural gas by next year.
Also speaking, Ibrahim said OMAA had been a robust partner with the NGEP, stressing that the company was on track to make a tremendous impact in the energy and transport industries.
In her remark, Igwebuike said “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.”
