President Bola Tinubu expressed his administration’s unwavering commitment to addressing the transportation needs and desires of Nigerians on Monday. This assertion came during a significant event where he inaugurated 30 hybrid Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses that were generously donated by the Depots and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) to the Federal Government. The inauguration ceremony took place in Abuja, marking a pivotal moment for the nation’s transportation sector.
In his remarks during the event, the President conveyed, “It is a great joy for me to receive these buses on behalf of the government as they represent a significant innovation to the transportation system.” This statement highlights the excitement and optimism surrounding the introduction of these new buses, which are expected to revolutionize the way transportation is managed in Nigeria.
The President further elaborated on the need to utilize natural gas as a primary fuel source to power Nigeria’s transportation industry, indicating that this approach is the next logical step for the country to take. He stated, “Utilising natural gas to power our transportation industry is the next way to go.” This shift toward natural gas, specifically CNG, is not only a matter of innovation but also an economic imperative. “With our gas, if we work harder and focus on being productive and innovative, utilising CNG vehicles is an economic necessity that we should embrace,” he remarked, stressing the urgency of adopting this cleaner energy resource.
Also, the President acknowledged the widespread concerns among ordinary Nigerians regarding transportation issues and expressed his gratitude toward INNOSON Motors, as well as other stakeholders, for their commitment to transforming the narrative within the country’s transportation landscape. “If we can enhance our energy competitiveness and bring about transformative changes like this, we will definitely be able to achieve the prosperity that we are working hard to accomplish for our people,” he stated, highlighting the broader goals of economic progression and improvement in living standards.
He drew attention to successful models in other countries, noting that nations like India have mandated the use of CNG for commercial vehicles since as far back as 2004. In Nigeria, he pointed out, commercial vehicles account for approximately 80 percent of the nation’s petrol demand, costing the country trillions of Naira every month. “The solution is here. We have it, and we will work on it. We promise you that definitely, things will get better, and prosperity will be achieved,” he assured his audience, instilling a sense of hope for the future.
Mrs. Winifred Akpani, the Chairman of DAPPMAN, also spoke at the event and provided details about the new hybrid buses. She mentioned that these innovative buses were designed, manufactured, and delivered by INNOSON Motors, a renowned Nigerian company operating out of Nnewi. “These are hybrid buses that will run on CNG. Each of these buses is capable of transporting a significant number of passengers, specifically 100 people, and they also have the alternative capability of running on diesel,” she explained.
Akpani continued to express her satisfaction, saying, “They are hybrid buses, and we are very happy today that we are able to present this first batch. We continue to assure this government of our full support as marketers.” Her remarks underscored DAPPMAN’s commitment to not only supporting the government but also ensuring that the transportation challenges faced by Nigerians are addressed effectively.
In her speech, Akpani highlighted DAPPMAN’s initiative to train two drivers for each of the newly donated buses at the facility where they were manufactured. “We request that whoever receives the buses at the end should contact DAPPMAN so that we can arrange for the necessary training because we think it is very important that these buses are properly handled for durability,” she stated. This training initiative reflects the association’s emphasis on the safe and efficient operation of the buses to ensure long-term sustainability.
She concluded her remarks with optimism regarding the impact of these CNG buses on transportation costs in Nigeria. “We are very sure that this will contribute to bringing down transportation costs, and we know that if transportation costs decrease, the prices of food and many other goods will also follow suit,” she added. “So, on behalf of DAPPMAN, we are very happy to present this set of buses to the Federal Government of Nigeria,” said Akpani, reinforcing DAPPMAN’s dedication to enhancing the overall quality of transportation in the country and fostering economic growth.
