CNG Transportation is an economic necessity for Nigeria, says Tinubu
Kunle Sanni
President Bola Tinubu has emphasized the importance of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) transportation as a critical economic necessity for Nigeria, marking a major shift in the nation’s public transportation and energy strategy.
Speaking at the commissioning of 30 hybrid-powered CNG buses at the State House in Abuja on Monday, President Tinubu highlighted the urgent need for Nigeria to harness its abundant natural gas resources to transform the transportation sector and bolster the economy.
“Utilising natural gas to power Nigeria’s transportation industry is the next way to go,” Tinubu stated.
He emphasised it as a remedy for the current issues that many Nigerians are facing due to excessive transportation prices.
The President cited global examples, pointing out that nations such as India have been requiring CNG for all commercial cars since 2004.
He made the point that the fuel consumption of commercial cars in Nigeria, which costs trillions of naira a month, makes up almost 80% of the nation’s total petrol demand.
“The solution is here, we have it, and we will work on it,” Tinubu assured, promising that this shift would lead to better conditions and increased prosperity for Nigerians.
He stressed that leveraging Nigeria’s abundant gas deposits could enhance the nation’s energy competitiveness and bring about transformative changes.
The hybrid CNG buses were donated by the Depot and Petroleum Product Marketers Association (DAPPMAN), designed and manufactured by Innoson Motors, a Nigerian automobile company based in Anambra State.
Each bus can transport up to 100 people and has the flexibility to run on diesel if needed, addressing potential CNG shortage concerns.
The Chairman of DAPPMAN, Winifred Akpani, announced that the association has arranged to train drivers and indicated that more donations will be made in the future, demonstrating the private sector’s dedication to the CNG initiative.
Tinubu praised this progress as a promising and forward-thinking improvement to the Nigerian transportation system.
He applauded Innoson Motors and other DAPPMAN members for their dedication to “changing the narrative in Nigeria.”
