The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) has provided 124 CNG buses to trade unions and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to boost mass transit across Nigeria. The distribution, which was part of a national drive to ease transportation challenges, supports the federal government’s energy transition plan and subsidy removal efforts.
At a briefing in Abuja on Monday, Engr. Michael Oluwagbemi, the Programme Director of PCNGI, highlighted that the buses had been allocated to key stakeholders nationwide, with significant contributions from trade unions and student organizations. He explained that the CNG buses were strategically distributed to support transportation in various states, including 30 buses to Lagos, 20 to Kogi, and additional buses to Niger, FCT, and Nasarawa.
“The objective of the CNG Initiative is to promote mass transportation, and we are already seeing great progress,” said Oluwagbemi. “The unions have been instrumental in making these buses available for public use, empowering their constituent transport unions like RTEAN to serve the public.”
In addition to the bus allocation, the initiative has led to the establishment of over 30 CNG conversion centres in key regions, with six new refueling stations launched by NNPC to support the growing demand. The conversion centers are vital for transitioning vehicles to cleaner, more affordable energy, reducing costs and environmental impact.
Oluwagbemi emphasized that the initiative was part of broader efforts to encourage public-private partnerships and foster sustainable energy practices. The federal government, through PCNGI, has also partnered with state governments, with states like Kwara, Akwa Ibom, Kogi, and others actively participating in the scheme.
The CNG initiative not only addresses transportation issues but also contributes to job creation and skill development. The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) recently launched a CNG conversion and training center in Abuja, aimed at providing practical skills to young Nigerians. The center will convert nine vehicles daily and train technicians, empowering local businesses to thrive in the energy transition.
“The training center is key to helping small and medium enterprises reduce transportation costs while promoting cleaner energy,” said SMEDAN Director General, Charles Odii. “It will also create new business opportunities for young Nigerians and entrepreneurs in the CNG sector.”
With over 150,000 vehicle kits and 50,000 conversions expected in the coming years, the initiative is paving the way for a greener, more affordable transportation network across Nigeria.
