President Bola Tinubu has launched 30 hybrid-powered Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses donated by the Depots and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) in Abuja.
According to a spokesperson by presidential spokesperson Ajuri Ngelelae, at the launch held at the State House, Tinubu emphasised the urgent need for Nigeria to utilise its vast natural gas resources in the transportation sector.
He said that CNG transportation is an economic necessity for Nigeria, signalling a significant shift in the country’s approach to public transportation and energy use, adding that utilising natural gas to power Nigeria’s transportation industry is the next way to go.
The president also highlighted CNG as a solution to the recent challenges of high transportation costs faced by many Nigerians.
Citing international precedents, Tinubu pointed out that countries like India have mandated CNG for all commercial vehicles since 2004.
He pointed out that in Nigeria, commercial vehicles account for about 80% of the country’s petrol demand, costing trillions of naira each month.
“The solution is here, we have it, and we will work on it,” he added.
The hybrid CNG buses were designed and manufactured by Innoson Motors, a Nigerian automobile company based in Anambra State, with 100 passenger capacity.
The buses are flexible to run on diesel if needed, addressing potential CNG shortage concerns.
DAPPMAN Chairman, Winifred Akpani, revealed that the association has made provisions to train drivers and hinted at more donations in subsequent phases, underlining the private sector’s commitment to the CNG initiative.
