The Bayelsa State Government is set to partner with Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) Company for the establishment of a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion station in the state.
Governor Douye Diri received the management team of Innoson Motors, led by the company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Innocent Chukwuma, at the Government House, Yenagoa, on Monday.
Governor Diri commended Dr. Chukwuma for choosing to invest in Bayelsa, describing the initiative as timely and in line with the global shift toward cleaner and renewable energy.
“On behalf of the government of Assured Prosperity and the good people of Bayelsa State, I welcome you and your entourage.
It is a welcome development that you want to establish a CNG conversion station in the state, and we are ready to work with you to make it a reality,” Diri said.
He further announced plans to include the procurement of CNG-powered buses in the 2026 state budget to help reduce transportation costs and promote eco-friendly mobility.
“Your coming is very timely. By next year, part of our transport ministry’s budget will include the purchase of CNG buses to ease transportation costs across the state,” the governor added.
Present at the meeting were Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Secretary to the State Government Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, Chief of Staff Dr. Peter Akpe, Deputy Chief of Staff Mr. Irorodamie Komonibo, and other top government officials.
Meanwhile, in a separate event held at Sampou, Governor Diri also received a delegation from the Aleibiri Federated Communities in Ekeremor Local Government Area, led by the Paramount Ruler, His Royal Highness Dr. James Sarakri.
The delegation—comprising traditional rulers, political leaders, women, and youth representatives—visited to appreciate the governor’s developmental strides, including the Bayelsa State Polytechnic, ongoing road projects, and other community infrastructure.
Governor Diri expressed gratitude for the people’s overwhelming support during the 2023 governorship election, assuring them of his continued commitment to the development of all parts of the state.
“The people of Aleibiri gave me their full support during the 2023 election, and I thank them greatly.
Irrespective of political affiliation, we must all work together for the progress of our communities and our state,” Diri stated.
Notable figures in the Aleibiri delegation included former Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi, Hon. Tare Porri, member representing Ekeremor Constituency One, and several community leaders.
