- The Federal Government has distributed 64 Compressed Natural Gas buses to labour unions and student associations as part of independence celebrations
- This initiative aims to provide affordable transportation, reduce fuel costs, and support Nigeria’s transition to cleaner energy under the Presidential Initiative on CNG
As part of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary celebrations, the Federal Government handed over 64 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to representatives of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
The ceremony at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja marked the beginning of the government’s broader national rollout under the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PCNGi).
Wale Edun, the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, led the government delegation at the event.
He highlighted that the initiative is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s promise to provide affordable transportation after the removal of fuel subsidies.
The CNG-powered buses are designed to help ease the burden of rising costs, particularly for the poor and vulnerable, while supporting broader macroeconomic reforms.
The minister emphasized that the fuel costs for CNG vehicles are much lower than those for petrol-powered vehicles. Motorists now pay as little as N15,000 to fill a tank compared to N50,000 for petrol.
He explained that this initiative is part of a larger effort to transition Nigeria to cleaner energy and boost industrialization by leveraging the country’s natural resources.
The handover of 64 buses is just the start. Over 500 CNG buses and 100 electric vehicles are planned for distribution across Nigeria. According to Edun, the initiative aligns with Tinubu’s policies, aiming to stabilize the economy and bring down inflation.
Michael Oluwagbemi, Programme Director and CEO of PCNGi shared that investment in the CNG sector has already exceeded $175 million, with 125 conversion centres established in just one year. Vehicle conversion is underway in eight states, with plans to expand nationwide.
Representatives from TUC, NLC, and NANS commended the government for the initiative. TUC Secretary-General Nuhu Toro thanked President Tinubu for implementing the N70,000 minimum wage.
At the same time, NANS President Lucky Emonefe praised the government for its commitment to education and student welfare, including introducing a student loan scheme.
Both groups called for more CNG buses to be made available to the general public, further alleviating the economic challenges faced by workers and students alike.