FG Unveils 64 CNG Buses to Celebrate Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary
To commemorate Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary, the Federal Government has introduced 64 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, reinforcing its commitment to providing affordable, eco-friendly transportation. The unveiling ceremony, held at the Presidential Villa, was led by Mr. Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, alongside high-ranking officials including 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.
This initiative is the first phase of a broader plan to deploy over 500 CNG and 100 electric buses nationwide, primarily targeting labor and student unions, as part of a larger effort to enhance public transportation systems across the country.
In his address, Minister Edun emphasized the government’s focus on supporting vulnerable Nigerians amid recent economic reforms. He noted that this launch symbolizes the nation’s 64th Independence Anniversary and aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s promise to alleviate economic hardship.
“The unveiling of these 64 buses is symbolic, but it’s only the beginning. Hundreds more buses are on order,” Edun said, adding that the switch to CNG technology presents a cost-effective, environmentally sustainable solution. He highlighted that CNG-powered vehicles reduce fuel costs by up to 70%, making them far cheaper to operate than petrol-powered vehicles.
“A CNG vehicle costs about one-third of what it takes to fuel a petrol vehicle. Instead of spending ₦50,000 on petrol, Nigerians will only need about ₦15,000 for CNG,” Edun explained, stressing that this would reduce living costs, curb inflation, and improve overall quality of life.
The buses were handed over to representatives from the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
Key labor and student leaders, including Comrade Nuhu Toro, TUC Secretary-General; Comrade Lucky Emonefe, NANS President; and Comrade Uche Ekwe, NLC’s Head of International Desk, commended President Tinubu’s administration for the initiative. They also requested the distribution of more CNG buses to expand the program’s reach.
In addition to the transportation initiative, the TUC expressed gratitude for the government’s recent introduction of a ₦70,000 national minimum wage, which they said is helping alleviate financial burdens on Nigerian workers.
The launch also marks a step forward in the country’s efforts to promote cleaner energy and combat climate change. Michael Oluwagbemi, Programme Director/Chief Executive of PCNGi, revealed that over 125 CNG conversion centers have been established, up from just seven at the initiative’s inception. Investments in the sector have surpassed $175 million, with 12 new mother stations already commissioned and 75 more under construction.
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Oluwagbemi added that technician training is ongoing, with 40 new technicians trained weekly. Over 34,000 conversion kits have been ordered, and vehicle conversions are occurring across 53 centers in eight states. These centers are expected to expand to all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The launch of the CNG buses underscores the government’s commitment to affordable public transportation, cleaner energy adoption, and sustainable economic growth.
