Abu Garba
The Federal Government has officially handed over 64 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to representatives from the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) as part of Nigeria's 64th independence anniversary celebrations.
This initiative, aimed at reducing transportation costs across the nation, is expected to enhance public transport efficiency. The handover took place on Sunday at the State House Conference Centre, led by Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, alongside other key officials.
Edun highlighted that this distribution fulfills President Bola Tinubu's promise to provide affordable transportation following the removal of fuel subsidies. The initiative is part of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PCNGi) and is designed to support vulnerable populations while fostering macroeconomic stability.
The government plans to roll out over 500 CNG buses and 100 electric vehicles, starting with this symbolic handover. Edun emphasized the importance of transitioning to cleaner fuels and supporting mass transit, stating that CNG vehicles can significantly reduce fuel costs for motorists.
Labour leaders, including TUC Secretary-General Nuhu Toro and NANS President Lucky Emonefe, praised the government for this initiative, calling for more CNG buses to enhance public access. They expressed gratitude for other governmental efforts, including the implementation of a new national minimum wage and support for student welfare.
Michael Oluwagbemi, Programme Director of PCNGi, noted significant growth in the sector, including the establishment of over 125 conversion centers and substantial investment aimed at expanding CNG infrastructure across the country.
This initiative marks a critical step toward addressing the economic challenges faced by Nigerians while promoting cleaner energy solutions.
