Nigeria: FG donates 64 CNG buses to Labour Unions and NANS

The Federal Government has donated over 64 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) for commuter services across the country.

The gesture, part of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PCNGi), aims to ease transportation costs, which have risen following the removal of fuel subsidies.

This was disclosed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, during a ceremony held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, on Sunday, September 29, 2024.

Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, highlighted that the donation fulfills President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to provide Nigerians with affordable transportation options.

Edun emphasized that this initiative is aimed at alleviating the impact of inflation and is part of a broader national plan that includes distributing over 500 CNG buses and 100 electric vehicles in the coming months.

“This is a transition to cleaner fuel, and the emphasis is on mass transit. It’s a critical step in providing cheaper transport options for workers to cope with rising prices,” said Edun.

Labour and student leaders expressed their gratitude, with NANS president, Comrade Lucky Emonefe, noting that the buses would significantly ease the burden on workers and students.

Comrade Uche Ekwe of the NLC added, “The benefits of these CNG buses will become more apparent once they are deployed across Nigeria.”

The PCNGi has already established over 125 conversion centers and continues to invest heavily in the sector, with further expansion planned for states like Kogi and Ekiti in the coming weeks.