The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has taken delivery of four super 50-seater hybrid buses powered by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel fuel, donated by the Presidential CNG Initiative, to help boost public transportation in the territory.
It would be recalled that the PCNG Initiative is a flagship programme of the Federal Government of Nigeria, launched in 2023, to promote the widespread adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and electric vehicles, especially in mass transit systems, driving cost savings, job creation, energy security, and an environmentally friendly transport system.
Receiving the keys for the high-capacity buses on Thursday, the Mandate Secretary, FCT Transport Secretariat, Chinedu Elechi, described the gesture as a welcome development, as it would complement the ongoing repositioning of the public transport architecture in the FCT.
Elechi, who received the donation on behalf of the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, noted that the buses would be moving over 200 people efficiently, thereby improving the daily mass transit of commuters across the territory.
According to him, the FCT Minister has always maintained that no modern city can survive without a robust public transportation system.
“So, public transportation is meant to move people from one point to the other, especially those who cannot afford private transportation, or those who can afford private transportation but opt to go on the public system. Because when tourists come in, they do not come with their private transportation. So tourism also depends on a robust public transportation system.
“This is why the Honourable Minister (Wike) has built roads, bridges, and is now building bus terminals. We have just commissioned two of the modern bus terminals at Mabushi and Kugbo.
“These buses, as good as they look, will be very helpful. We are going to get more buses; the minister is already working on that and we thank you so very much for this. They look very nice. I am sure both those who have private transportation and those who do not would enjoy the ride.
“So, on behalf of the Honourable Minister and the FCTA, we want to thank you and say that you should extend our gratitude to Mr President, whose initiative this is, and to you too for your hard work,” he stated.
Earlier, while making the donation, the Programme Director/Chief Executive of the Presidential CNG Initiative, Mr Michael Oluwagbemi, said the donation was part of its effort to make CNG a reality for efficient public transportation.
He said the FCT, having demonstrated great support for the programme and shown great innovation by investing not just in roads but also in terminals under the leadership of the FCT Minister, deserved to be a major beneficiary of the initiative.
He expressed hope that the delivery of the buses would serve as a foundational asset for the operation of the new terminals and a robust transportation system in the FCT.
He explained: “This is a presidential initiative. Mr President wants to see Nigerians move around more cheaply, safely, and reliably. On behalf of Mr President, on behalf of the board of the PCNGI and its management and staff, I hand over these four CNG hybrid buses to the service of humanity and for the employment of the people of the FCT.
“You are receiving four because you are one of our biggest supporters and also because, through you, we know more people, as you are in the business of direct transportation in the FCT. We see your terminals, we see your roads.
“We have identified potential onward beneficiaries of these buses to ensure that they get to the people of Nigeria and deliver the promise of Mr President.
“I want to say that we look forward to your (FCTA) continued partnership. We just left the FRSC, and they informed us that they will be launching new plate number formats for both CNG and EV vehicles in September.”
