President Bola Tinubu inaugurated the first batch of 20 hybrid Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, marking a significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to modernize its transportation sector on Monday
The commissioning took place shortly after a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The locally produced buses were manufactured by Innoson Motors and donated by the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN). Five of these buses were driven to the forecourt of the president’s office for the ceremony.
President Tinubu emphasized that the adoption of CNG-powered buses is an economic necessity that all Nigerians must embrace. He highlighted the importance of utilizing natural gas to power the nation’s transportation industry, viewing it as the future of transportation in Nigeria.
The president acknowledged the challenges faced by many Nigerians due to the high cost of transportation and expressed confidence that CNG-powered buses would help alleviate these issues. He referenced India and other countries that have mandated the use of CNG vehicles since 2004 as examples of successful implementation.
“Countries like India have mandated CNG for all commercial vehicles since 2004,” President Tinubu said. “In Nigeria, commercial vehicles make up about 80 percent of our petrol demand, costing us trillions of naira each month. The solution is here, and we will work on it. We promise you, things will get better, and prosperity will be achieved.”
He further stressed that by enhancing the nation’s energy competitiveness, Nigeria can bring about transformative changes that will lead to prosperity and achievement for its citizens.
“This is a significant innovation for our transportation system,” President Tinubu added. “Utilizing natural gas to power Nigeria’s transportation industry is the way forward.”
With Nigeria’s vast gas reserves, the president assured that the federal government is committed to developing a more productive and innovative CNG-powered transportation system for its people.
“For a country like Nigeria, with our own gas resources, it is an economic necessity that we embrace this approach,” he said. “We can enhance our energy competitiveness and bring about transformative changes, leading to the prosperity we are striving to achieve for our people.”
The president also praised the donated hybrid-powered CNG buses for their convertibility, describing this as a promising advancement for Nigeria’s transportation system.
“The fact that these buses are convertible to run on CNG is very encouraging and represents a progressive step forward for our transportation sector,” President Tinubu noted.
He extended his gratitude to Innoson Motors and DAPPMAN for their commitment to improving Nigeria’s transportation landscape.
Winifred Akpani, Chairman of DAPPMAN, also spoke at the event, highlighting that the buses were designed, manufactured, and delivered by Innoson Motors, a Nigerian company based in Nnewi, Anambra State. She noted that each bus is capable of transporting 100 passengers and can also run on diesel as an alternative fuel.
Akpani assured the government of DAPPMAN’s continued support, expressing their dedication to easing the transportation challenges faced by Nigerians.
“These hybrid buses, capable of running on CNG and diesel, are a testament to our commitment to supporting the government and all Nigerians,” Akpani stated. “We are confident that these buses will be effectively utilized, and we look forward to making additional donations in the future.”
She also mentioned that DAPPMAN has made provisions for training two drivers per bus at the Innoson Motors facility where they were manufactured.
“We believe these buses will be put to good use, and with more donations on the way, we are grateful for the president’s support,” Akpani concluded.
 buses on Monday.The commissioning too){kind=link}