In a groundbreaking move towards sustainability and economic development, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced plans to introduce one million Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered vehicles across Nigeria by 2027. This bold initiative aims to revolutionize the transportation sector and provide a viable solution to the challenges exacerbated by the recent subsidy removal.
During a recent stakeholders’ meeting at the esteemed Bank of Industry headquarters in Abuja, Toyin Subaru, the Special Assistant to the President on Special Duties and Domestic Affairs, divulged the details of this visionary project. According to Subaru, the deployment of 11,500 CNG-powered buses nationwide is imminent.
The introduction of CNG vehicles comes as great news to Nigerians as it promises to address the rising transportation costs that have burdened individuals and businesses alike. By significantly lowering the price of CNG to N230 per kg, the Federal Government aims to make it an affordable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional fuels.
Subaru highlighted the immense financial benefits that Nigerians can expect from this transition. Integrating CNG-powered mass transit buses into the transportation system will enable individuals to save up to two-thirds of their transportation costs.
“Now, with this CNG plan, we don’t have to import what we need to operate our vehicles,” stated Subaru. “It is called CNG, and we have the gas here in Nigeria. So, the idea is to take the gas and distribute it across Nigeria via different truck stations.
“Most gas-powered vehicles are not CNG enabled yet, and what we are doing is helping them convert their cars so they can use both petrol and CNG simultaneously.
“To further facilitate the adoption of CNG vehicles, we are developing a user-friendly app that will enable Nigerians to easily locate nearby CNG stations. With the price of CNG set at N230 per kg as opposed to the current cost of petrol at N680 per litre, this initiative is poised to save every Nigerian about two-thirds of their transport expenses,” elaborated Subaru.
The nationwide rollout of one million CNG vehicles is not only a step towards ensuring a more sustainable future for Nigeria, but also a significant boost to the country’s economy. It showcases President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to innovative and environmentally-conscious solutions that enhance the lives of Nigerians while laying the foundation for a prosperous future.
