The Federal Government on Sunday dismissed concerns about the safety of its new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered buses, assuring Nigerians that the risk of explosion is minimal.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris in a chat with journalists in Abuja emphasized that the gas cylinders are bulletproof and seamless, eliminating the possibility of explosions.
The government on Sunday handed over 64 CNG-powered buses to labour unions and the National Association of Nigerian Students as part of the Presidential CNG initiative’s pilot program.
The buses, with a 100-seat capacity, will be distributed across states and campuses nationwide.
Idris said: “Yes, we considered this. There is no risk of explosion. The cylinders themselves are bulletproof. There are no joints, meaning they are not welded at any joint or parts. So, they are intact. They are safe, and you would not expect to see any explosion happening.”
Distribution and Impact
The distribution breakdown includes:
– 40 buses to labor unions
– 20 buses to student unions
– 4 buses for passenger transportation within Abuja
READ ALSO:Nigerian govt woos Labour, NANS with 64 CNG buses
This initiative comes six weeks after President Bola Tinubu launched 30 hybrid-powered CNG buses donated by the Depots and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria. The program aims to provide affordable transportation, with Nigerians expected to save 60% on transportation costs due to the lower cost of CNG compared to Premium Motor Spirit.
Future Plans
The government has ordered over 700 additional buses, with plans to release 2,700 CNG-powered buses and tricycles before the end of 2024. This includes 600 buses, 2,500 tricycles, 100 conversion workshops, and 60 refueling sites across 18 states.
The minister added: “This is a necessary first step that the government has taken… It’s a promise that Mr. President has kept to Nigerians, and we know that very soon, more of these buses will ply all the roads of this country.”
“Now, let me emphasise that this is not all. Over 700 of these buses have already been ordered. These are the first sets we are giving out to symbolise the official commencement of this initiative of Mr. President. So don’t say that you only have 64 buses to cater to the whole of this country. It’s a necessary first step by government.”
Idris argued that since CNG costs far less than Premium Motor Spirit, Nigerians should expect to save 60 percent on transportation costs when the initiative goes fully operational.
“You will spend far less to fuel it. Filling the two tanks you have seen here will cost you about N15,000, as against N72,000 for petrol. It’s a drastic reduction. The private sector is already contributing.
“This is beginning from those who need it the most; the working class will get this. But beyond that, everybody will feel the impact.
“It’s a promise that Mr president has kept to Nigerians, and we know that very soon, more of these buses will ply all the roads of this country,” he concluded.
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