Federal government has handed over 64 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to representatives of organised labour and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) yesterday, in a gesture that highlights a critical investment in the future of the nation’s youth. This action, marking the country’s 64th independence anniversary, symbolizes a larger plan to address the growing burden of transportation costs, especially for students and working-class citizens.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, spoke during the handover ceremony at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, shedding light on the government’s vision to lower inflation and improve affordability.
“We’ve had an initial spike in inflation, now it has peaked, and it is coming down.
Mr. President and the whole team are determined to ensure that we keep inflation coming down, and this is one of the major ways,” Edun said, indicating that the CNG initiative would lead to reduced transportation costs.
Of the 64 buses, 20 were earmarked specifically for students. The allocation reflects the government’s recognition of the urgent need to support students, many of whom face immense financial pressure due to rising transport costs. Student leaders, including NANS president Comrade Lucky Emonefe, praised the initiative, particularly noting its potential to relieve the economic burden of daily commuting.
“This is a significant step for Nigerian students, who spend a large portion of their limited resources on transportation. These buses will make a tangible difference in our daily lives,” Emonefe remarked, further acknowledging the government’s commitment to addressing student welfare through initiatives like the student loan scheme.
The CNG-powered buses, which promise to cut fuel costs by as much as 60%, will enable students to access cheaper and more reliable transportation. With transportation costs projected to drop dramatically—filling a CNG-powered bus tank could cost as little as N15,000 compared to the N50,000 or more for petrol—this could offer immediate financial relief for students and their families.
Mr. Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, emphasized that this initial rollout is just the beginning, with over 700 buses on order. “Twenty of the buses are going to the students’ union, and about four will now be here in the Federal Capital Territory. This is a necessary first step,” Idris said, adding that as more buses are deployed, the savings on transportation costs will become even more apparent.
The initiative, part of President Bola Tinubu’s broader economic reforms, aims to leverage Nigeria’s natural gas resources to shift the country towards cleaner energy solutions while addressing the immediate needs of its population. For students, this move promises to reduce one of their biggest financial strains and ensure a smoother, more affordable commute.
As the CNG bus rollout expands, the expectation is that it will ease transportation costs across the board, benefiting not just students but also the wider Nigerian populace. For now, the government’s bold step is being hailed as a critical investment in Nigeria’s future, beginning with its youth.
