FG Distributes 64 CNG Buses to support Affordable Transport

By AmforGod J. Olisa

As part of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day celebrations, the Federal Government handed over 64 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to representatives of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).

Leading the government delegation at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, presented the buses. Other members of the delegation included the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, and Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande.

Edun emphasized that deploying these buses for commuter services would significantly lower transportation costs and pave the way for a more affordable and efficient public transport system. He noted that the distribution fulfilled President Bola Tinubu’s pledge to provide accessible transportation through the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PCNGi), aimed at supporting Nigerians after the removal of fuel subsidies.

The federal government plans to distribute over 500 CNG buses and 100 electric vehicles in the initial phase. Edun stated, “The CNG initiative aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to cleaner energy while leveraging its resources for industrialization. Today marks a crucial step in President Tinubu’s policy for cleaner fuel, with a focus on mass transit.”

He also highlighted that the initiative aims to ease the burden on workers by providing more affordable transportation, which could help curb inflation. “While inflation spiked initially, it has now peaked and is starting to decline. The government is committed to keeping inflation in check, and this initiative plays a key role,” he added.