As part of the celebrations for Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary, the Federal Government today unveiled 64 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, highlighting its dedication to providing affordable and environmentally friendly transportation for Nigerians. The unveiling ceremony, held at the Presidential Villa, was led by the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, alongside other top officials.
Among those in attendance were Senator Abubakar Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning; Mr. Mohammed Idris Malagi, Minister of Information and National Orientation; and Mr. Ayodele Olawande Wisdom, Minister of State for Youth Development.
The unveiling marks the initial phase of a larger program designed to distribute over 500 CNG and 100 electric buses nationwide, particularly to labour and student unions. This initiative aims to improve public transport infrastructure and reduce transportation costs for the masses, supporting President Bola Tinubu’s broader economic reforms.
In his remarks, Mr. Edun emphasized that this initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to cushioning the impact of economic reforms on Nigeria’s most vulnerable citizens. “The unveiling of these 64 buses is a symbolic gesture in honour of our nation’s 64th Independence Anniversary, but it represents just the beginning. Hundreds more buses are on order, with deliveries continuing,” the Minister said.
Edun further explained that the adoption of CNG technology is a critical part of the government’s strategy to transition to more affordable and sustainable energy sources. He pointed out that CNG-powered vehicles offer significant fuel savings, reducing costs by as much as 70% compared to petrol-powered vehicles. “A CNG vehicle costs about one-third of what it takes to fuel a petrol vehicle. Instead of spending 50,000 Naira to fill a tank, Nigerians will pay around 15,000 Naira with CNG. This is a substantial step towards lowering the cost of living, curbing inflation, and improving the quality of life for Nigerians,” Mr. Edun noted.
Beyond affordability, the introduction of CNG buses also underscores Nigeria’s commitment to addressing climate change and promoting cleaner energy sources. The rollout represents a key milestone in the country’s efforts to adopt greener solutions while driving sustainable economic growth.
The broader CNG and electric bus initiative reflects the government’s long-term vision of modernizing Nigeria’s public transport sector, reducing its carbon footprint, and fostering economic stability through innovative, eco-friendly solutions.
