The Federal Government has 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). These buses, when fully deployed, are expected to significantly reduce transportation costs nationwide, providing a more affordable and efficient public transport system.
The handover ceremony took place at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja on Sunday, as part of Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary celebrations. Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, led the government delegation, which included 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.
Wale Edun noted that the distribution of these buses aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s promise to deliver affordable and efficient transportation solutions after the removal of fuel subsidies. He emphasized that this initiative, under the **Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PCNGi), aims to reduce the financial burden on the poor and vulnerable while supporting macroeconomic reforms to ensure economic stability.
“This initiative is a key part of President Tinubu’s policies, focusing on cleaner fuel and affordable mass transit. It’s an intervention for the working class, ensuring they have cheaper transport options amid rising prices,” Edun remarked.
He also highlighted that this initial handover of 64 buses marks the start of a broader rollout, which will eventually see over 500 CNG buses and 100 electric vehicles distributed across the country. Edun stressed the economic and environmental benefits, noting that CNG fuel costs are about one-third of the price of petrol. He explained that motorists can now fill a tank for as little as ₦15,000, compared to ₦50,000 for petrol.
The Secretary-General of the TUC, Comrade Nuhu Toro, the NANS President, Comrade Lucky Emonefe, and the NLC Head of International Desk, Comrade Uche Ekwe, all praised President Tinubu for the initiative. Toro also thanked the President for the implementation of the new ₦70,000 national minimum wage, describing it as a vital step toward reducing the economic burden on workers.
NANS President Emonefe commended the government’s commitment to education and student welfare, especially citing the student loan scheme. “Nigerian students are thrilled to celebrate the 64th independence anniversary with these CNG buses, and we appreciate the President’s dedication to student welfare,” Emonefe said.
Michael Oluwagbemi, Programme Director/CEO of PCNGi, provided updates on the program’s progress. He noted that over 125 CNG conversion centres have been established, and investments in the sector have exceeded $175 million. Furthermore, more than 34,000 conversion kits have been distributed, with vehicle conversions ongoing at 53 centres across eight states. Expansion plans are underway to cover all 36 states and the FCT.