President Bola Tinubu launched 30 hybrid Compressed Natural Gas-powered buses in Abuja on Monday as part of the Presidential CNG Initiative.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and the Depots and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria donated the locally produced 100-capacity CNG buses to the Federal Government, according to The Punch.
Monday’s launch comes only days after the President met with Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Ltd.’s Founder and CEO, Mr Innocent Chukwuma, at the Aso Rock Villa on August 8, 2024.
Chukwuma had stated that the commuters would soon benefit from cheaper transportation using Compressed Natural Gas powered buses.
“I’ve discussed with him (President Tinubu) and in a short time, the masses, the public will have enough CNG busses on the road,” he told journalists after the meeting.
The automobile entrepreneur hinted at an ongoing partnership between his company and the Federal Government and described the Presidential CNG Initiative as “the way forward” for Nigeria.
The President at the launch stated that using CNG powered transportation industry will reduce transportation costs, increase productivity, and save the government trillions of naira wasted on the importation of petrol and diesel.
“If we can enhance our energy competitiveness and bring about transformative changes like this, we will be able to achieve the prosperity we are working hard to accomplish for our people.
“These CNG buses are encouraging and promising to enhance our transportation system,” he said.
Tinubu stated that commercial vehicles account for more than 80% of the nation’s petroleum use, noting several countries that have shifted to CNG for transportation systems and are currently reaping the benefits.
“Countries like India have mandated CNG for all commercial vehicles since 2004. In Nigeria, commercial vehicles make up about 80 per cent of our petroleum demand, costing us trillions of naira every month.
“The solution is here. We have it. We will work on it. We promise you things will get better. Prosperity will be achieved,” the President said.
Tinubu commended Innoson Motors, the vehicle manufacturers, for their commitment to his administration’s CNG initiative.
In her remarks, the Chairperson of DAPPMAN, Winifred Akpani, expressed her association’s support for the administration’s commitment to enhancing the nation’s transportation system, which she noted would lead to lower transportation costs.
She said, “This batch of hybrid buses, which DAPPMAN is donating to the Federal Government, furthers our support for this administration’s resolve to address Nigeria’s energy challenges.
“We are proud to note that these buses have been designed, manufactured, and delivered by Innoson Motors, a Nigerian company.”
