The Federal Government has officially 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).
The ceremony, which took place on Sunday at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, was part of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day celebrations.
The government delegation, led by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, included other top officials such as Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Abubakar Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, and Ayodele Olawande, the Minister of State for Youth Development.
Edun highlighted the significance of the buses in lowering transportation costs across the country. He described the initiative as fulfilling President Bola Tinubu’s promise to provide affordable, efficient transportation after the removal of fuel subsidies, under the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PCNGi).
“When these buses are deployed for public transportation, Nigerians will begin to experience significant reductions in transportation costs,” Edun said.
He stressed that the project aims to relieve the economic pressure on the poor and vulnerable while supporting macroeconomic reforms.
The handover of the 64 buses marks the start of a broader plan, with the government intending to roll out over 500 CNG buses and 100 electric vehicles in the near future. “This is only the beginning,” Edun added. “We are committed to a national rollout that will ensure mass transit solutions for all Nigerians.”
As part of the government’s long-term energy goals, the CNG initiative is also aligned with Nigeria’s move toward cleaner energy. “Today marks another milestone in our transition to cleaner fuel,” Edun remarked, adding that the emphasis is now on mass transit as a way to stabilize the economy.
Edun also pointed out that the operating cost of CNG-powered vehicles is about one-third that of petrol-powered vehicles. “With CNG, a full tank could cost as low as N15,000, compared to over N50,000 for petrol,” he explained.
The symbolic distribution of the buses was praised by leaders of key unions and student bodies. Nuhu Toro, Secretary-General of the TUC, acknowledged the government’s effort to support Nigerian workers. “This is a significant step towards alleviating the burden on Nigerian workers,” Toro said, while also appreciating the recent approval of a N70,000 minimum wage.
Lucky Emonefe, the President of NANS, commended the government for its focus on student welfare. “We are happy to be celebrating this 64th anniversary of independence with such impactful projects. The President’s commitment to education and student welfare is clear,” he said.
Uche Ekwe, NLC’s Head of International Desk, called for the federal government to further increase the number of CNG buses available to the public, noting the widespread benefits once the buses are fully deployed. “If we get more buses, the impact will be felt by all Nigerians,” Ekwe said.
Michael Oluwagbemi, the Chief Executive of PCNGi, revealed that the initiative had already exceeded expectations, with over 125 vehicle conversion centres established nationwide. He disclosed that over $175 million had been invested in the sector, with 75 new mother stations under construction. “We are ramping up technician training, and conversions are ongoing in eight states,” Oluwagbemi said.
