The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially handed over 64 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to representatives from the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). The handover, which took place at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, aligns with the country’s 64th independence anniversary celebrations and aims to significantly reduce transportation costs, providing a more affordable public transport system for Nigerians.
Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, led the government delegation during the event. He emphasized that this initiative fulfills President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to provide accessible transportation following the removal of fuel subsidies under the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PCNGi). The initiative is designed to support the poor and vulnerable while also facilitating macroeconomic reforms aimed at achieving economic stability.
Edun noted that the delivery of these 64 buses marks the beginning of a national rollout, with plans to distribute over 500 CNG buses and 100 electric vehicles. He highlighted the initiative’s dual focus on transitioning to cleaner fuel and supporting mass transit, which would alleviate transportation costs for workers amid rising prices.
The cost advantage of CNG over petrol was underscored, with the minister stating that filling a CNG tank can cost as low as N15,000 compared to N50,000 or more for petrol vehicles. He stated that the initiative could also contribute to lowering inflation rates in the country.
Labour representatives praised the initiative, calling for additional CNG buses to improve public transport availability. TUC Secretary-General, Comrade Nuhu Toro, expressed gratitude for the government’s actions, including the implementation of a new national minimum wage, while NANS President, Comrade Lucky Emonefe, commended the administration’s focus on student welfare.
The Program Director of the PCNGi, Michael Oluwagbemi, reported significant advancements in the CNG sector since its establishment, including the opening of over 125 conversion centers, a substantial investment exceeding $175 million, and ongoing training for technicians to support the transition to CNG vehicles. He assured that plans are in place to expand these facilities nationwide.
