By Umar Sani
The Bauchi Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture has petitioned the implementation process of the presidential Compress Natural Gas, CNG initiative.
According to a petition written by the chamber’s president, Aminu Danmaliki to the speaker House of Representative which is equally made available to Journalists on Friday, the chamber urged the house to conduct a comprehensive oversight inquiry into the CNG Initiative’s implementation process.
Danmaliki noted “I write on behalf of the Bauchi Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, BACCIMA to express our concern regarding the ongoing implementation of the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Presidential Initiative.
“Although this initiative presents a significant opportunity to transform Nigeria’s energy landscape and promote environmental sustainability, it is unfortunate that Northern stakeholders, particularly indigenous investors and operators, have been sidelined in the process, contrary to the constitutional provision on Federal Character.”
He expressed worries that as a key Chamber affiliated with the Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, NACCIMA, the chamber have not been consulted or included in any stakeholder engagements.
“The absence of transparency in the award process and regional imbalance in participation threatens the credibility and long-term viability of this important national effort.
“We respectfully urge the House of Representatives to conduct a comprehensive oversight inquiry into the CNG Initiative’s implementation process, ensure equitable inclusion of all regional Chambers of Commerce and industrial operators in decision-making and implementation, and recommend a review of the current structure to accommodate local investors and stakeholders for sustainable national economic impact, “Danmaliki added.
He believed the National Assembly will take decisive steps to ensure the initiative is truly national in character and inclusive in execution.