President Bola Tinubu Launches 100 CNG Powered Buses
President Bola Tinubu has launched the 100 Compressed Natural Gas, CNG, powered buses donated by the Independent Petrol station Marketers Association, IPMAN, and other members of the business community to beat down cost of transportation brought about by the Federal Government’s harsh economic policies.
IPMAN and 17 other organisations made a commitment during their meeting with the President to provide the buses as part of their social responsibilities to support the government in its bid to stabilise the economy
During a symbolic launch of ten of the buses at the State House, Abuja, President Tinubu said if Nigerians embraced the CNG technology, work harder, be productive and innovative, the technology would save the country billions of Naira in foreign exchange and boost the economy.
Describing the adoption of the Compressed Natural Gas technology as an economic necessity to embrace, the President said:
“Utilizing natural gas to power our transportation industry is the next way to go. For many countries, especially Nigeria, with our own gas, if we work harder, be productive and innovative, it is an economic necessity that we should embrace.
“I am very honoured to be here, it is a great expression for me to receive these buses on behalf of the government and making a significant innovation to transportation system.
“I noted the recent yearnings of many ordinary Nigerians on transportation. I thank INNOSON Motors and others we have been committed to change this narrative in this country.
The President said if Nigeria could enhance her energy competitiveness and bring about transformative changes like the CNG, she would be able to achieve the much-needed prosperity.
“These buses along with the CNG and being convertible is very encouraging and promising to enhance our transportation system. Countries like India have mandated CNG for commercial vehicles since 2004 and in Nigeria, commercial vehicles make up about 80 percent of our petrol demand costing us trillions of naira each month”, the President stressed.
He said provision of the CNG-powered buses was a promise kept, adding that things will get better, and prosperity will be achieved.
Abdullah Bello