On Monday, the Federal Government delivered 20 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to the Oyo State Government.
Micheal Oluwagbemi, Chief Executive Officer and Programme Director of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative, oversaw the handover at the Pacesetter Transport Service headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.
Oluwagbemi explained that the introduction of CNG buses in Nigeria is designed to tackle issues related to petrol importation and other challenges faced by Nigerians. He remarked, “Ibadan has always been a hub of commerce and innovation. This city, known for its thriving business environment and successful entrepreneurs, is a fitting location to launch the CNG initiative.”
He added, “President Bola Tinubu has emphasized the importance of leveraging our gas resources to enhance the transportation sector, boost agricultural production, and support other projects that improve the lives of our citizens.”
Oluwagbemi acknowledged the challenges ahead but affirmed the commitment to this initiative, stating, “We are committed to advancing this effort, despite the difficulties. We must avoid returning to subsidizing inefficiencies. These 20 buses represent a step towards a sustainable partnership with Pacesetter Transport Service, aiming to enhance the mass transit system and contribute to a better future for the state and Nigeria.”
Salami Dikko, Chairman and Sole Administrator of Pacesetter Transport Service, received the buses on behalf of the state government. He expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and President Tinubu for the initiative, noting that the fleet has grown from just five operational buses to 81 since his appointment.
Dikko highlighted that CNG is an ideal solution to the state’s transportation challenges, with Governor Seyi Makinde supporting the project to address the impact of subsidy removal. He also requested an additional 100 CNG buses to expand coverage across more routes within the state.
In his message, Ademola Aderinto, Special Assistant to Governor Makinde on Environment, praised CNG as a cost-effective energy source. He said, “The future of Nigeria lies in CNG, or natural gas. It is encouraging to see the state taking the lead in this initiative. Our thanks go to President Tinubu and Governor Makinde for supporting this significant change.”
