by Godwin Orozo, Abuja:
As part of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary celebration, the Federal Government unveiled 64 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, underscoring its commitment to providing affordable and eco-friendly transportation for citizens.
The launch, which took place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, was spearheaded by the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun.
In a statement released by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed Manga, key government officials were in attendance, including the Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Mohammed Idris Malagi, and the Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande Wisdom.
This rollout marks the first phase of a broader initiative to distribute over 500 CNG and 100 electric buses to labour and student unions across the country. The project aims to revamp Nigeria’s public transport sector and provide a cleaner, more cost-effective alternative for citizens.
During his address, Mr. Wale Edun reaffirmed that the initiative is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s promise to alleviate the financial pressures on Nigeria’s most vulnerable citizens following recent economic reforms.
“The unveiling of these 64 buses is a symbolic gesture in honour of our nation’s 64th Independence Anniversary, but it represents just the beginning. Hundreds more buses are on order, with deliveries continuing,” Edun remarked.
He further emphasized the importance of the transition to CNG-powered vehicles, noting their significant cost savings compared to petrol-powered vehicles.
“A CNG vehicle costs about one-third of what it takes to fuel a petrol vehicle. Instead of spending 50,000 Naira to fill a tank, Nigerians will pay around 15,000 Naira with CNG. This is a substantial step towards lowering the cost of living, curbing inflation, and improving the quality of life for Nigerians,” Edun explained.
The statement also highlighted that the CNG bus rollout is part of Nigeria’s broader efforts to combat climate change, promote cleaner energy, and drive sustainable economic growth.
