R-L: Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, (second), Permanent Secretary, Dr Magdalene Ajani, and Permanent Secretary LASEMA Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu (third) during the courtesy visit.
By Abbanobi -Eku Onyeka
Abuja
The Ministry of Interior and the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG) have proposed the formation of a high-level working group to fast-track the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) across agencies under the Ministry. This proposal was made during a meeting between the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Executive Chairman/CEO of Pi-CNG, Barr. Ismaeel Ahmed, in Abuja.
The Minister emphasized that the objectives of Pi-CNG align with the Ministry’s mandate, which includes oversight of 264 correctional centres, Civil Defence formations, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and over 4,000 kilometers of national borders. He stressed that the collaboration would promote cleaner and more affordable energy, improve operational efficiency, and achieve substantial cost savings.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo directed the immediate establishment of a structured working group, led by the Ministry’s Director of Joint Services, with representation from all relevant agencies. The working group will focus on fleet conversion and adoption of CNG, establishment of a credit facility, training, and capacity building.
Barr. Ismaeel Ahmed commended the Minister’s efforts in delivering sustainable outcomes and outlined the key focus areas of the proposed collaboration. He expressed optimism in the Ministry’s leadership and commitment to promoting cleaner, renewable, and sustainable energy use in Nigeria.
In a separate development, the Minister commended the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) for its proactive approach to strengthening emergency medical and disaster response systems in Nigeria. He described emergency medical services as a critical growth sector for Nigeria, stressing that the country’s rising population demands structured and sustainable emergency response systems.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo emphasized that Nigeria’s goal of building a $1 trillion economy by 2031 cannot be achieved without strong disaster and emergency management capacity. He disclosed that the Federal Government is nearing completion of a major Emergency and Fire Service Academy in Abuja, which will significantly boost national training capacity in rescue and disaster management.
The Minister encouraged innovation and stressed the importance of operating within constitutional provisions, noting that emergency management falls under the residual legislative list, empowering states while requiring legal clarity and coordination.
LASEMA’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, announced plans to reposition its proposed academy as the Institute of Disaster Management, focusing on disaster preparedness, emergency coordination, and professional capacity building, and seeks Federal collaboration.
The Minister reaffirmed federal support for state-level initiatives, particularly in high-demand commercial centers like Lagos, emphasizing that capacity building is the only sustainable path to securing Nigeria’s future.
The meeting underscores the Ministry’s commitment to promoting sustainable energy use, strengthening emergency response systems, and building capacity for disaster management in Nigeria.
