Making true its promise to act swiftly on provision of palliatives against the effects of the fuel subsidy removal, the Federal Government is already deploying mass transit buses in Lagos, Abuja and Kano.
Credible News can report exclusively that Compressed Natural Gas, CNG, buses have arrived arrived Abuja and Lagos State for test run.
With talks still on going with the Federal Government, the Yutong buses are currently on a test drive to ascertain their efficiency and safety on Nigeian roads.
Credible News recalls that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his broadcast to the nation Monday evening reiterated the efforts to reduce the burden the current economic situation has imposed on all, especially on businesses, the working class and the most vulnerable.
Tinubu assured that the Federal Government is working closely with States and Local Governments to implement interventions that will cushion the pains of the people across socio-economic brackets which includes the introduction of CNG buses to lessen the cost of transportation.
“Part of our programme is to roll out buses across the States and Local Governments for mass transit at a much more affordable rate. We have made provision to invest N100 billion between now and March 2024 to acquire 3000 units of 20-seater CNG-fuelled buses.
“These buses will be shared to major transportation companies in the States, using the intensity of travel per capital. Participating transport companies will be able to access credit under this facility at 9% per annum with 60 months repayment period”, the President stated.
Credible News reports that CNG is an eco-friendly alternative to gasoline which is made by compressing natural gas, methane, down to less than 1% of its volume. CNG fuel is safer than gasoline and diesel because it is non-toxic and does not contaminate ground water.
CNG is expected to reduce, to a large extent, the country’s exposure to fuel importation as natural gas would not be imported.
It is stored and distributed in hard containers at a pressure of 20–25 megapascals, 2,900–3,600 psi, usually in cylindrical or spherical shapes.
The tanks can be refilled at several CNG stations across the country.