Federal Government Donates 20 CNG Buses to Oyo State
The Federal Government has recently provided 20 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to the Oyo State Government. This move, as explained by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aims to mitigate the impact of the fuel subsidy removal while advancing a safer, cleaner, and more reliable transport system.
At the handover event held at the Pacesetter Transport Services (PTS) office in Ibadan, President Tinubu was represented by Mr. Michael Oluwagbemi, CEO and Program Director of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNGi). Oluwagbemi highlighted that this initiative aligns with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and reflects Tinubu’s commitment to improving Nigerian lives through enhanced transportation.
Oluwagbemi emphasized the importance of transportation in economic development and pointed out that the introduction of CNG buses addresses various issues, including the reliance on petrol imports. He also stressed that this initiative is meant to benefit everyone, moving away from enriching only a few and utilizing Nigeria’s abundant natural gas resources to ease hardships.
According to the President’s representative, this step is a part of a broader effort to foster economic growth and improve living conditions by leveraging local resources. “We are committed to making positive changes, even if it means facing some initial challenges. We cannot return to a state of subsidizing our own difficulties. Our goal is to show our dedication by providing these buses as assets that will generate income and enhance the future of Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole,” Oluwagbemi stated.
Ibrahim Salami, Chairman and Sole Administrator of PTS, praised the Federal Government’s decision, calling it an effective solution to the difficulties caused by the subsidy removal. He described the arrival of the CNG buses as a significant development that would alleviate the public’s challenges.
Ademola Aderinto, Special Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Environment, noted that CNG offers a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly energy source. He highlighted that this initiative not only provides a more sustainable transportation option but also helps reduce carbon monoxide emissions from traditional combustion engines.
