AF RALP VENTURES CHAIRMAN, DR. RAPHAEL AROKOYO, UNVEILS ABUJA FILLING STATION, MULTI-BILLION NAIRA CNG PLANT IN KOGI FOR 2026
…Says the company operations are no longer limited to Kogi, but its now global
The Chairman and Managing Director of AF Ralp Progressive Ventures, Dr. Raphael Arokoyo, has announced major expansions for 2026, including a new filling station and LPG plant in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and a multi-billion naira CNG Mother Gas Station at Kabba Junction, near the site of the ongoing international airport being undertaken by the Kogi State Government.
Speaking in an interview with the Publisher of Democracy Newsline Newspaper, Chief Olugbemi Femi, on the company’s operations and outlook, Dr. Arokoyo said the company, which started with cement distribution, building materials and oil and gas in Kogi State, has now grown into a global enterprise.
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“In this second quarter of 2026, to the glory of God, we were able to make some acquisitions in the capital city of Abuja, where we have established a filling station, an office complex and also an LPG gas plant within the same facility,” he said.
He added that the Abuja filling station, located “in the heart of the city,” will be commissioned soon.
Dr. Arokoyo disclosed that Maktot Oil and Gas, a subsidiary of AF Ralp Progressive Ventures, is developing a multi-billion naira CNG Mother Gas Station along the proposed international airport project in Kogi State. Land acquisition has been completed and construction is ongoing.
The project, valued at about ₦7.5 billion, is designed to dispatch between 100 to 150 trucks of compressed natural gas daily into the market.
“It’s a very big and massive project,” he said. “It will also have the capacity to engage not fewer than 30 operational employees on a daily basis. Some will be skilled, some unskilled. The plant will run 24 hours in three shifts — morning, afternoon and evening.”
He further stated that beyond gas distribution, the CNG facility will also generate electricity, with an installed capacity of “well over 2,000 megawatts.” He explained that power will be used for the plant’s operations and excess could be sold to AEDC or the host community, in a model similar to the Dangote Obajana Cement Plant.
As part of corporate social responsibility, he said the company will pay compensation to the host community and provide infrastructure such as water, solar streetlights, etc.
“It goes beyond just making money. It’s about creating service, generating employment and revenue for both the government and the people,” he stated. “The development of our state and even this country is our core responsibility. Leaving it for outsiders will not help us.”
The AF Ralp boss lamented Nigeria’s dependence on imports despite abundant resources. He cited the country’s large lithium deposits and solar potential, arguing that Nigeria should be self-sufficient in electricity by now.
“We have everything. Look at the massive deposit of lithium we have in Nigeria. Why do we have to import lithium? With the sun available, what are we looking for?” he asked.
He urged for determined leadership and cited Dangote Group as an example of Nigerian companies taking investments abroad to boost foreign earnings and strengthen the naira.
“By the time you see two or three like Dangote doing what he is doing and taking it to other African nations, Europe and America, that is how we increase our gross earnings and protect our external reserves,” Dr. Arokoyo said.
He concluded that AF Ralp Progressive Ventures will continue to invest in quality service delivery.
“Our priority is to do that which we know is best to serve mankind. We will not rest on our oars,” he said.
Interview conducted with Dr. Raphael Arokoyo, Chairman/MD, AF Ralp Progressive Ventures, Maktot Oil and Ga
Reported for Democracy Newsline
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER 14TH AUGUST, 2026)
