President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to addressing the transportation challenges faced by Nigerians.
Speaking on Monday, August 12, 2024 during the inauguration of 30 hybrid CNG buses donated by the Depots and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) in Abuja, the President emphasized the importance of utilizing natural gas to power the nation’s transportation system.
“It is a great joy for me to receive these buses on behalf of the government as they represent a significant innovation to the transportation system,” Tinubu said. He highlighted the economic necessity of embracing CNG vehicles, stating, “Utilising natural gas to power our transportation industry is the next way to go.”
The President acknowledged the concerns of many Nigerians regarding transportation and praised INNOSON Motors and other stakeholders for their commitment to revolutionizing the industry. “If we can enhance our energy competitiveness and bring about transformative changes like this, we will definitely be able to achieve the prosperity that we are working hard to accomplish for our people,” he added.
Tinubu further drew a comparison to India, noting, “Countries like India have mandated the use of CNG for commercial vehicles since 2004 and in Nigeria, commercial vehicles make up about 80 per cent of our petrol demand costing us trillions of Naira each month.”
The President assured Nigerians that his administration is actively working on solutions to improve transportation. “The solution is here. We have it, we will work on it. We promise you, definitely things will get better, prosperity will be achieved,” Tinubu said.
Mrs. Winifred Akpani, Chairman of DAPPMAN, revealed that the hybrid buses were designed, manufactured, and delivered by INNOSON Motors, a Nigerian company based in Nnewi. She highlighted the buses’ dual-fuel capability, stating, “These are hybrid buses that will run on CNG. Each of these buses is capable of transporting 100 people and they also have alternative use of diesel.”
Akpani assured the government’s support and emphasized the potential impact of these buses on reducing transportation costs, which could lead to lower prices for food and other goods. “We are very sure that this will contribute to bringing down transportation costs, and we know that if transportation costs come down, food and so many other things will follow,” she said.
