By Cheta Enyoghasi
President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated 30 hybrid Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered buses, capable of transporting 3,000 passengers, donated to the federal government by the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) manufactured by Innoson Motors.
The chairperson of DAPPMAN, Dame Winifred Akpani, stated that her organization is in favor of the administration’s promise to improve the country’s transportation infrastructure since she thinks it will result in reduced transportation expenses.
“This batch of hybrid buses, which DAPPMAN is donating to the federal government, is in furtherance to our support for this administration’s resolve to address Nigeria’s energy challenges. We are proud to note that these buses have been designed, manufactured, and delivered by Innoson Motors, a Nigerian company,” Akpani said.
The President stressed the benefits of natural gas-powered transportation, stating its ability to decrease expenses, increase productivity, and save trillions of naira on Premium Motor Spirit and Automotive Gas Oil imports.
He noted India’s CNG mandate for business cars since 2004, which has resulted in huge benefits. Tinubu believes that Nigeria may attain economic success by introducing CNG buses and improving its energy competitiveness.
“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. These CNG buses are promising and will enhance our transportation system.
“Countries like India have mandated CNG for all commercial vehicles since 2004. In Nigeria, commercial vehicles make up about 80 per cent of our petroleum demand, costing us trillions of naira every month.
“The solution is here. We have it. We will work on it. We promise you things will get better. Prosperity will be achieved.” He said.
Tinubu also hailed Innoson Motors for their dedication to the CNG initiative.
