FG hands over 64 CNG buses to labour unions, NANS

By Kunle Sanni

The Federal Government has 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).

Once deployed for commuter services, these buses are expected to significantly reduce transportation costs in the country, offering hope for a more affordable and efficient public transport system.

The handover took place on Sunday at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary. This was according to a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

The Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, led the government delegation, which included the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu; and the Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande.

Edun described the distribution of the buses as fulfilling President Bola Tinubu’s promise to provide affordable and efficient transportation to Nigerians, following the removal of fuel subsidies under the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PCNGi).

He emphasized that the initiative aims to alleviate the burden on the poor and vulnerable, while supporting macroeconomic reforms to put the country on the path to economic stability.

The Minister further explained that the symbolic handover of 64 buses on the eve of Nigeria’s National Day marks the beginning of a broader national rollout. Over 500 CNG buses and 100 electric vehicles are expected to be distributed in the initial phase.

He added that the CNG initiative aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to cleaner energy, while leveraging the country’s energy resources for industrialization.

“Today marks another critical milestone in President Tinubu’s policies. It is a transition to cleaner fuel. It is for Nigerians, with an emphasis on mass transit. We are intervening on behalf of workers so they can have cheaper transport to cope with rising prices,” Edun said.

He also highlighted the CNG initiative’s potential impact on inflation, stating, “We’ve experienced an initial spike in inflation, but it has now peaked and is coming down. The President and his team are determined to ensure that inflation continues to decrease, and this initiative is a major step towards that goal.”

The Coordinating Minister of the Economy noted that the fuel cost for CNG-powered vehicles is about one-third of the cost for petrol-powered vehicles, allowing motorists to pay as low as N15,000 to fill a tank instead of N50,000 or more.

“Today, it’s CNG. Tomorrow, we’ll be supporting farmers with resources for the remaining wet season and the dry season planting starting in November, including fertilizer, seeds, and herbicides. This is all aimed at lowering prices and getting the economy moving again,” he added.

Comrade Nuhu Toro, Secretary-General and Chief Executive of TUC; Comrade Lucky Emonefe, NANS President; and Comrade Uche Ekwe, Head of International Desk, NLC, commended President Tinubu for the gesture and called for more CNG buses to be made available to the public.

Toro also thanked the President for implementing the new national minimum wage of N70,000, saying, “This move is a significant step in alleviating the economic burden on Nigerian workers.”

NANS President Comrade Emonefe praised the government for its commitment to education and student welfare, citing the introduction of a student loan scheme for higher education. “Nigerian students are happy to be celebrating the 64th Independence Anniversary. We are not only pleased with the CNG buses but also believe the President genuinely cares about student welfare.”

The NLC representative added that the benefits of the CNG buses would become more evident as more buses are deployed across the country. “Once more buses are available, the positive effects will be felt immediately. As people start using these buses, word will spread across the public and neighborhoods.”

Michael Oluwagbemi, Programme Director and Chief Executive of PCNGi, highlighted the achievements since the program’s establishment one year ago, noting that over 125 conversion centers have been set up, compared to the initial seven.

He mentioned that investments in the sector have exceeded $175 million, with 12 new mother stations commissioned and 75 more under construction. Technician training is being scaled up, with 40 new technicians trained weekly. Over 34,000 conversion kits have been ordered, with more than half already distributed.

Oluwagbemi added that vehicle conversions are taking place at 53 centers across eight states and that the program will expand to all 36 states and the FCT.