- The Federal Government has inaugurated 30 locally assembled CNG buses in Abuja, with 20 donated by DAPPMAN and 10 by NNPC Limited.
- Innoson Motors, which assembled the buses, is actively collaborating with the government to expand the use of CNG vehicles across Nigeria.
- The CNG initiative follows President Tinubu’s removal of the petrol subsidy. The government is investing N100 billion in CNG-powered buses and offering tax incentives to promote cleaner energy.
The Federal Government has launched a fleet of locally assembled Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses in Abuja. The inauguration occurred on Monday, August 12, at the State House.
According to the federal government, the Depots and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited donated the buses. DAPPMAN contributed 20 buses, while NNPC provided 10.
Innoson Motors, a Nigerian automotive company, assembled the CNG buses. On August 8, Innocent Chukwuma, the managing director and CEO of Innoson Motors, met with President Bola Tinubu. During the meeting, Chukwuma discussed Innoson’s advancements in CNG vehicle technology. He praised the government’s focus on CNG, calling it a transformative initiative. Chukwuma assured that Innoson’s CNG buses would soon be seen across Nigeria.
The push for CNG adoption began after President Tinubu ended the subsidy on premium motor spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, on May 29, 2023. In July, the president announced an N100 billion investment in 3,000 CNG-powered 20-seater buses. The government quickly followed up by establishing the CNG initiative. It also announced the value-added tax (VAT) waiver on CNG bus purchases. Plans to waive import duties on CNG parts are also being processed.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has directed all government agencies to procure CNG-powered vehicles. This move aligns with the administration’s commitment to cleaner energy sources.
Innoson Motors is at the forefront of this transition. The company has been working closely with the government on various initiatives. Chukwuma, during his meeting with the president, highlighted ongoing partnerships between Innoson Motors and the government. He expressed confidence that these partnerships would drive the widespread adoption of CNG buses in Nigeria.
Chukwuma also emphasised the importance of local assembly in boosting Nigeria’s automotive industry. He stated that Innoson Motors supports the government’s green energy agenda. The company’s efforts in producing CNG vehicles are a significant step towards reducing Nigeria’s carbon footprint.
The government’s CNG initiative is part of a broader strategy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The removal of the petrol subsidy was a crucial step in this direction. The subsidy had long been a burden on Nigeria’s economy, costing billions of naira annually. The government aims to achieve economic and environmental benefits by ending the subsidy and promoting CNG.
The introduction of CNG buses is expected to improve public transportation in Nigeria. It will provide a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to petrol-powered vehicles. The government is optimistic that the initiative will encourage other sectors to adopt cleaner energy technologies.
In conclusion, the inauguration of CNG buses marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s transition to green energy. With the support of companies like Innoson Motors, the government is paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future. The success of this initiative could set a precedent for other African nations to follow.