- The Minister of Steel, Shaibu Audu, also highlighted the significance of the programme
The Kogi State Government has received 10 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses from the Federal Government as part of efforts to reduce transportation costs in the state.
The handover ceremony took place in Lokoja on Wednesday, with state officials and representatives of the Federal Government in attendance.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Governor Ahmed Ododo, represented by his Deputy, Elder Joel Salihu, commended President Bola Tinubu for the initiative, stating that Kogi State has embraced the programme as a means to alleviate the financial burden on residents due to high transportation costs.
“Our administration is committed to supporting and implementing any initiative that benefits the people of Kogi. This new programme is a testament to that commitment,” said Salihu. He further disclosed that 250 youths from across the state’s 21 local government areas will be trained in various technical fields, including CNG conversion, welding and fabrication, automobile mechatronics, and solar system installation.
The training, which will be conducted in partnership with the Nigeria-Korea Friendship Institute (NKFI), is expected to begin once the final modalities are completed.
The Minister of Steel, Shaibu Audu, also highlighted the significance of the programme, noting that it aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda aimed at improving the economic situation for ordinary Nigerians.
“A reduction of 40 per cent in transportation costs through the use of CNG vehicles is a positive step. The economy has been under immense pressure, and this initiative is part of Mr. President’s strategic response to ease the burden on citizens,” Audu stated.
He added that the Ajaokuta Steel Company would play a crucial role in the initiative, leveraging its status as a gas hub to support the wider adoption of CNG technology.
The Project Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Presidential CNG Initiative, Michael Oluwagbemi, explained that the conversion of commercial vehicles to CNG will be provided at no cost to drivers, emphasising that the project is designed to reduce the cost of transportation across the country.
“We are focused on providing opportunities to lower transportation expenses. This initiative is not just about policy; it’s about practical relief for Nigerians,” Oluwagbemi said.
The CNG bus initiative is part of broader efforts by the Federal Government to mitigate the effects of recent fuel subsidy removals, which have led to increased costs for commuters and transporters.