The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, has said the inauguration of the Diverse Autocare Centre Hub and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) facility in Benin, Edo State, aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s energy transition agenda.
Ekpo made this known on Tuesday during the inauguration ceremony in the state capital, describing the project as a strong sign of growing private sector confidence in Nigeria’s shift toward cleaner and more affordable energy sources.
He said the new facility reflects the federal government’s push to expand the use of natural gas as a sustainable alternative for transportation and industrial use.
“Today is a day that we should continue to celebrate Mr. President because he is the initiator of what we are experiencing today, moving from expensive means of transportation to effective one,” the minister said.
He described the hub as more than just an automobile conversion centre, noting that it represents a broader shift toward a gas-powered economy.
“This facility is more than automobile conversion centre, it is a practical demonstration of private sector confidence in the future of natural gas as a cleaner, more affordable and more sustainable means of transportation,” he added.
Ekpo also linked the project to the federal government’s Decade of Gas initiative, describing it as a strategic programme designed to reposition Nigeria’s economy through increased gas utilisation.
He commended the Chairman of Diverse Autocare Centre Limited, Greg Ogbeifun, for the investment, saying it aligns with the government’s energy vision under President Tinubu.
In his remarks, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo—represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa—assured investors of a supportive business environment in the state.
He said the new hub is a multi-functional facility that includes vehicle sales, servicing, diagnostics, spare parts fabrication, and training for skills development.
“This hub speaks to the future we are building for Edo, our sons and daughters can return home to build, to create jobs, and to inspire the next generation,” he said.
Okpebholo added that security remains central to Edo’s economic strategy, stressing that investor confidence depends heavily on safety and stability.
He explained that the state government has strengthened community policing through the Edo State Security Vigilante Network in collaboration with federal security agencies.
“The era of waiting for government jobs alone is over,” he said, adding that the state is now focused on rewarding skills and encouraging private enterprise.
The project initiator, Greg Ogbeifun, said the facility was designed to create jobs and raise awareness around cleaner energy adoption.
He also urged more investors to consider Edo State, describing it as safe and business-friendly.
