Just-In: FG distributes 64 CNG buses to NLC, TUC, NANS

As part of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary celebrations, the federal government on Sunday handed over 64 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).

The ceremony took place at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, led by Finance Minister Wale Edun and other key ministers.

The initiative, part of President Bola Tinubu’s promise to provide affordable and efficient transportation after the removal of fuel subsidies, aims to ease the financial burden on Nigerians.

Minister Edun emphasized that this marks the beginning of a larger national rollout, with plans to distribute over 500 CNG buses and 100 electric vehicles.

The CNG-powered buses are designed to support workers and students by offering more affordable transit options.

The initiative also aligns with Nigeria’s goals for cleaner energy, as CNG-powered vehicles cost about one-third of traditional petrol-powered vehicles, with motorists paying as low as N15,000 to fill a tank compared to N50,000 for petrol.

”Today, it is CNG. Tomorrow, it will be helping farmers to cope with the remainder of the wet season planting and then the dry season planting, starting from November, with fertiliser, inputs, seeds, and herbicides. This is all to get prices down and get the economy moving again,” he said.

Also speaking, the Minister of Information and National Orientation Mr Mohamned Idris said the distribution of the buses demonstrates President Tinubu’s commitment to alleviating the suffering of Nigerians.

“This is a necessary first step that the government has taken, and we are giving out 64 buses to commemorate the 64th independence anniversary of our great country.

“40 of these buses are going to the labour unions. You heard the representative of the labour here accepting them. 20 of the buses are going to the Students Union, and about four will now be here in the Federal Capital Territory.

“Now let me emphasise that this is not all. Over 700 of these buses have already been ordered. These are the first sets we are giving out to symbolise the official commencement of this initiative of Mr. President. So don’t say that you only have 64 buses to cater to the whole of this country. It’s a necessary first step by government,” he said.

He said since CNG costs far less than Premium Motor Spirit, Nigerians should expect to save 60 per cent on transportation costs when the initiative goes fully operational.

“You will spend far less to fuel it. Filling the two tanks you have seen here will cost you about N15,000, as against N72,000 for Petrol. It’s a drastic reduction. The private sector is already contributing.

“This is beginning from those who need it the most; the working class will get this. But beyond that, everybody will feel the impact.

“It’s a promise that Mr president has kept to Nigerians, and we know that very soon, more of these buses will ply all the roads of this country,” he said.

The Secretary-General of TUC, Comrade Nuhu Toro, commended President Tinubu for the gesture.
He thanked the president for implementing the N70,000 new national minimum wage.

”This move is a significant step in alleviating the economic burden of Nigerian workers,” he said.

The representative of NLC, Comrade Uche Ekwe, said the benefits of the CNG buses would become more apparent once they are deployed across the country.

”If we get more buses, the effect will translate immediately to Nigerians. If people start entering these buses, they will publicise it in the public and their neighbourhood,” he said.

Also speaking, the president of NANS Comrade Emonefe praised the government for its commitment to education and student welfare, citing the provision of a student loan scheme for higher education.

“Nigerian students are happy to be celebrating the 64th anniversary of independence. We are not only happy with the CNG buses; we believe that the current President loves the welfare of students and has shown his commitment to this,” he said.

The Programme Director/Chief Executive of PCNGi, Michael Oluwagbemi, said that since its establishment one year ago, over 125 conversion centres have been established, compared to the initial seven.

He said investment in the sector has exceeded $175 million, with 12 new mother stations commissioned and 75 more under construction.

Technician training is being ramped up, with 40 new technicians trained weekly. Over 34,000 conversion kits have been ordered, with more than half already distribute.

He said vehicle conversions are taking place at 53 centres in eight states.

He said the centres would be expanded to all the 36 states and the FCT.