PeakNews Online
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday inaugurated the first batch of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) compliant buses at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, as part of efforts to modernize Nigeria’s transportation system and reduce reliance on petrol.
The inauguration, which saw the delivery of 20 out of a pledged 50 to 100 buses, was made possible by the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN).
During the ceremony, President Tinubu expressed optimism that the new buses would contribute significantly to improving Nigeria’s transportation sector. He assured Nigerians that the government is committed to enhancing energy efficiency and reducing the high transportation costs that have emerged following the removal of the petrol subsidy in May.
“We are committed to transforming our transportation system through the use of natural gas, which is an economic necessity for our nation. By working harder, being productive, and embracing innovation, we will achieve prosperity for our people,” Tinubu said.
The buses, manufactured by Innoson Motors, are part of a broader government initiative to transition from expensive petrol to more affordable and environmentally friendly CNG. Tinubu emphasized the importance of this shift, noting that countries like India have mandated CNG for commercial vehicles, and Nigeria must follow suit to reduce the financial burden on its citizens.
DAPPMAN Chairman, Winifred Akpani, who made the symbolic presentation of the buses, reiterated the association’s commitment to supporting the government’s efforts to solve Nigeria’s energy challenges. Akpani highlighted the buses’ hybrid capabilities, which allow them to run on both CNG and diesel, ensuring their reliability even in the face of potential fuel shortages.
“We are proud to present these buses today, which have been designed and manufactured by Innoson Motors. These hybrid buses will play a crucial role in reducing transportation costs, which have been a major issue for Nigerians,” Akpani said.
She also stressed the importance of proper training for the bus drivers, noting that each bus would come with two trained drivers to ensure durability and effective operation. Akpani expressed confidence that the introduction of these buses would lead to a significant reduction in transportation costs, subsequently lowering the cost of food and other essentials.
The Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Foundation, Emmanuella Arukwe, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the economic benefits of CNG buses. “CNG is not only cleaner but also much cheaper to fuel, making it the way forward for public transportation in Nigeria,” Arukwe said.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the initiative as a major step in the Tinubu administration’s commitment to transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources like CNG. He highlighted that this shift would not only save money but also contribute to a cleaner environment.
The CNG bus initiative is part of a larger strategy by the Tinubu administration to deploy a total of 3,000 CNG buses by March 2024, with a long-term goal of having one million CNG buses on Nigerian roads by 2027.
