President Bola Tinubu has officially launched 30 hybrid-powered Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses at the State House in Abuja. The buses were donated by the Depots and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) as part of efforts to modernize Nigeria’s transportation system and reduce reliance on petrol.

During the inauguration on Monday, President Tinubu emphasized the critical importance of harnessing Nigeria’s vast natural gas reserves to power the country’s transportation sector. He described the adoption of CNG technology as an economic necessity, marking a significant shift in the nation’s approach to public transportation and energy use.

“Utilizing natural gas to power Nigeria’s transportation industry is the path forward,” Tinubu declared, underscoring the economic and environmental benefits of this transition. He also highlighted that CNG offers a viable solution to the recent surge in transportation costs, which has burdened many Nigerians.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, the President referenced international examples, noting that countries like India have mandated CNG for all commercial vehicles since 2004. Tinubu pointed out that in Nigeria, commercial vehicles currently account for about 80% of the nation’s petrol consumption, leading to expenditures in the trillions of naira each month.

“The solution is within our reach, and we will pursue it diligently,” Tinubu assured, expressing confidence that this strategic shift would improve living conditions and enhance economic prosperity for Nigerians. He stressed that by leveraging Nigeria’s abundant natural gas resources, the country could significantly boost its energy competitiveness and drive transformative change.

The hybrid CNG buses, designed and manufactured by Innoson Motors, a leading Nigerian automobile company based in Anambra State, have a capacity of up to 100 passengers. These buses are engineered with the flexibility to switch to diesel if necessary, addressing concerns about potential CNG shortages.

DAPPMAN Chairman, Winifred Akpani, announced that the association has made provisions for driver training and hinted at further donations in future phases, highlighting the private sector’s strong commitment to the CNG initiative.

President Tinubu praised the introduction of these buses as a forward-thinking development that promises to uplift Nigeria’s transportation sector. He also commended Innoson Motors and DAPPMAN members for their dedication to “changing the narrative in Nigeria.”