President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently commissioned thirty Innoson-branded Hybrid Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered buses in Abuja, aiming to alleviate transportation challenges in Nigeria. This initiative highlights a shift towards environmentally friendly transportation, with CNG as a viable alternative to traditional fuels.
The buses were part of a collaborative effort between the private and public sectors, with twenty buses donated by the Depots and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) and ten by NNPC Ltd through its Corporate Social Responsibility arm, NNPC Foundation.
During the commissioning event, President Tinubu expressed his gratitude and emphasized the importance of embracing CNG technology in Nigeria’s transportation sector. He recognized the potential of natural gas, particularly given Nigeria’s abundant reserves, as an economic necessity that the country should harness for future development.
Tinubu Commissions Hybrid CNG Buses to Boost Sustainable Transportation in Nigeria
The President also acknowledged the contributions of Innoson Motors and other stakeholders committed to transforming Nigeria’s transportation landscape.
DAPPMAN’s Chairman, Winifred Akpani, highlighted the capabilities of the new buses, noting that each bus can transport up to 100 passengers and operates as a hybrid, capable of running on both CNG and diesel.
This flexibility ensures that the buses can continue to operate efficiently even in areas where CNG infrastructure might be limited. Akpani expressed optimism that the buses would be effectively utilized and hinted at the possibility of further donations to expand the fleet.
The introduction of these CNG-powered hybrid buses represents a significant step towards reducing the environmental impact of transportation in Nigeria. It also aligns with broader global trends towards cleaner energy sources in public transportation. The government’s support for this initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need to innovate and adapt to sustainable practices in various sectors of the economy.
The commissioning of these buses is seen as a positive move towards addressing the transportation needs of Nigerians while promoting the use of domestically sourced natural gas. It underscores the government’s commitment to improving public infrastructure and the importance of partnerships between the private sector and government in driving such initiatives forward.
