By Ola Kay
President Bola Tinubu has unveiled 30 hybrid-powered Compressed Natural Gas, CNG, buses donated by Depots and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria, DPPMAN at the State House in Abuja.
At the commissioning on Monday, President Tinubu underscored the need for the country to harness its vast natural gas resources in the transportation sector.
In a statement issued by the presidential spokesman on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelelae, the President drew attention to international precedents, stating that countries like India had mandated CNG for all commercial vehicles since 2004.
He stressed that the CNG transportation is an economic necessity for Nigeria, leading to transformation in the country’s approach to public transportation and energy use
He also observed that utilization of the nation’s natural gas to power Nigeria’s transportation industry is the next option to explore, adding that the CNG remains the solution to the challenges of high transportation costs confronting the citizens.
He said that commercial vehicles account for about 80% of the country’s petrol demand, amounting to trillions of naira each month.
He said that, “The solution is here, we have it, and we will work on it,” assuring that the transition would lead to better conditions and increased prosperity for Nigerians.
The President pointed out that leveraging Nigeria’s abundant gas deposits could boost energy competitiveness and bring about transformative changes to the country.
The hybrid CNG buses were 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.
Also, DAPPMAN Chairman, Winifred Akpani, informed that the association made provisions to train drivers and hinted at more donations in subsequent phases, underlining the private sector’s commitment to the CNG initiative.
Tinubu commended the initiative as a promising and progressive lift to the Nigerian transportation system, while commending Innoson Motors and other DAPPMAN members for their commitment to bring about a transformation in the country.
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