The federal government has procured and handed over 64 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses to the leadership of organized labour and student unions.
In the move aimed at reducing the rising cost of transportation following the removal of fuel subsidies, the 100-seater capacity buses were presented during a brief ceremony held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja on Sunday.
The buses are part of the government’s wider efforts to alleviate the burden on Nigerians, particularly in the wake of the fuel subsidy removal, which has significantly increased transport costs across the country.
Speaking at the event, government representatives reiterated their commitment to providing solutions to ease the economic challenges faced by the masses.
In addition to the CNG buses, over 400 CNG conversion kits were also made available to private sector transporters in four states, with the aim of encouraging the shift to more affordable and sustainable fuel alternatives.
The kits allow vehicles that currently rely on petrol to be converted to use compressed natural gas, which is significantly cheaper.
The presidency has been actively promoting the use of CNG as a cost-effective energy alternative since the outcry that followed the fuel subsidy removal. Government officials have emphasized the importance of the transition, noting that it will help reduce overall energy expenses for motorists and ease the financial strain on citizens.
Organized labour has consistently called on the administration of President Bola Tinubu to introduce palliative measures to cushion the effects of the subsidy removal. For months, unions have demanded the rollout of a substantial number of CNG-powered vehicles as a practical solution to the escalating transportation costs.
With the provision of these CNG buses, the government is hopeful that it can address some of the concerns raised by labour groups and students.
