FG Acquires 70 Locally Manufactured CNG Hybrid Buses To Boost Transportation

FG Acquires 70 Locally Manufactured CNG Hybrid Buses to Boost Transportation

In a significant move to enhance Nigeria’s transportation sector, the Federal Government has procured 70 hybrid Jet Mover buses from the Nigerian automobile manufacturer, Jet Motor Company. The delivery of these buses, which operate on both compressed natural gas (CNG) and premium motor spirit (PMS), was confirmed in a statement by the company on Monday.

The acquisition is part of the government’s broader strategy to provide affordable and comfortable transportation solutions for Nigerians, especially in the wake of the removal of fuel subsidies.

The handover ceremony took place at Jet Motor Company’s manufacturing plant in Ajah, Lagos State, and was attended by officials from the Ministry of Finance and representatives of the Presidential Initiative for Compressed Natural Gas. Dimas Hamidu, Technical Assistant to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, praised the quality of the vehicles and lauded the company’s commitment to delivering on its contract.

Hamidu highlighted that the introduction of these hybrid buses is a testament to President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s efforts to mitigate the economic challenges brought about by the subsidy removal. “These vehicles will significantly address the transportation needs of our citizens and help cushion the impact of rising costs on the economy,” he said.

He also addressed public concerns over the availability of these vehicles, noting that the Ministry of Finance had been monitoring the production process to ensure timely delivery. Hamidu expressed satisfaction with Jet Motor Company’s adherence to the contract terms and the vehicles’ specifications.

The Managing Director of Jet Motor Company, Derek Ewelukwa, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the nation’s transportation infrastructure. He provided details on the hybrid buses, explaining that each vehicle is equipped with two CNG tanks with a combined capacity of 220 litres, allowing for a range of 300 kilometers. Additionally, the buses have an 80-litre petrol tank, and the engine can switch seamlessly between gas and petrol.

Ewelukwa also mentioned that the CNG tanks have a lifespan of 15 years, underscoring the long-term reliability of the vehicles.

The Federal Government’s procurement of these CNG hybrid buses is seen as a crucial step towards reducing the nation’s dependence on traditional fuels and addressing the transportation challenges faced by Nigerians. Further deliveries of these vehicles are anticipated as the government continues its efforts to modernize the transportation sector.