The federal government yesterday launched 15 CNG-powered buses as part of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Renewed Hope Clean Energy Transport Scheme.
The move is seen as a strategic initiative designed to ease the burden of fuel subsidy removal, reports Channels TV.
Speaking during the launch of locally made P-CNG buses in Abuja, the Minister of Transportation, Said Ahmed Alkali, said buses symbolise the government’s commitment to empowering citizens while transitioning to a cleaner energy economy.
The buses were, thereafter, handed over to the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), and National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO).
The minister assured that the ministry will ensure effective sensitisation of the transport owners, operators, passengers and the general public to make the Initiative accessible to Nigerians.
“The union operators would ensure the effective use and proper maintenance of these buses. This is not just about today, but about creating a transportation system that will serve generations to come,” he stated.
He appealed to all Nigerians to “embrace this initiative and support the government’s commitment in its effort to move the nation forward by working together to ensure that our resources are being used to our advantage.”
The minister described the FCT commissioning of the CNG-powered Renewed Hope Transport Scheme as a “pilot scheme”, which the Federal Government has a plan to extend to other States of the federation in due course.
Alkali also spoke on maintenance, which is the bane of the type of bus launch done today by stating that his ministry has ensured that the busses will be maintained.
He revealed that the maintenance concern was why the buses were handed over to the three transport unions.
