In a significant move aimed at transforming public transportation in Nigeria, the Federal Government has handed over 64 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to representatives from the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). The handover ceremony took place on Sunday at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, coinciding with the nation’s 64th independence anniversary celebrations.
The delegation, led by Wale Edun, the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, included notable figures such as Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation; Abubakar Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning; and Ayodele Olawande, Minister of State for Youth Development.
During the ceremony, Edun emphasized that the deployment of these buses will significantly reduce transportation costs across the country, paving the way for a more affordable and efficient public transport system. He highlighted that this initiative is part of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to providing accessible transportation solutions following the removal of fuel subsidies under the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PCNGi).
"This initiative is designed to alleviate the burden on the poor and vulnerable while supporting macroeconomic reforms that will steer the country towards economic stability," Edun stated. He also noted that the handover of 64 buses marks the beginning of a wider national rollout, with plans to distribute over 500 CNG buses and 100 electric vehicles soon.
The minister underlined the initiative’s alignment with Nigeria’s commitment to cleaner energy and its potential to contribute to industrialization. “Today marks a critical milestone in President Tinubu’s policies, emphasizing a transition to cleaner fuels and enhanced mass transit options,” he said.
Edun further pointed out that the cost of fueling CNG-powered vehicles is approximately one-third that of petrol-powered vehicles, with motorists now able to fill their tanks for around N15,000 instead of N50,000 or more. He assured that the government is focused on mitigating rising prices for citizens.
In response to the initiative, TUC Secretary-General Nuhu Toro, NANS President Lucky Emonefe, and NLC International Desk Head Uche Ekwe expressed their gratitude to the President for this gesture, urging for the expansion of CNG bus availability. Toro praised the implementation of the new ₦70,000 national minimum wage as a crucial step toward easing the economic challenges faced by Nigerian workers.
Emonefe commended the government's focus on education and student welfare, particularly through the introduction of a student loan scheme for higher education. He expressed optimism that this initiative would significantly enhance the quality of life for Nigerian students.
Echoing these sentiments, the NLC representative noted that the full impact of the CNG buses will be realized as more are deployed nationwide, promising immediate benefits to the public.
Michael Oluwagbemi, Programme Director and Chief Executive of PCNGi, reported that since its establishment, over 125 conversion centres have been launched, a substantial increase from the initial seven. He noted that investment in the sector has surpassed $175 million, with ongoing expansions including 12 new mother stations and 75 more under construction.
