Abuja: The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has received four 50-seater hybrid Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses from the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGI) to improve public transportation in the territory. While receiving the keys in Abuja, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, represented by the Mandate Secretary, FCT Transportation Secretariat, Mr. Chinedum Elechi, stated that the buses would comfortably transport up to 200 people. He emphasized that the buses, which run on both CNG and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Wike highlighted the importance of a robust public transportation system in modern cities. He noted that public transportation is essential for moving people, especially those who either cannot afford private transportation or prefer public systems. Additionally, he pointed out the necessity of a reliable public transport system for tourists who do not have private vehicles. Wike mentioned ongoing infrastructure development, including roads, bridges, and bus terminals, with two modern bus terminals already commissioned at Mabushi and Kugbo, and a third one in the Central Area nearing completion.
The minister announced plans for the FCTA to acquire more buses to further ease public transportation in the capital. He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for ensuring the FCTA’s inclusion in this initiative. Mr. Michael Oluwagbemi, Programme Director and Chief Executive of PCNGI, during the handover of the keys, assured that the initiative aims to provide a cheaper, safer, and more reliable transportation system nationwide. He appreciated the FCTA’s support and innovation in investing in road infrastructure and bus terminals under the minister’s leadership.
Oluwagbemi noted that the FCTA’s significant support for the PCNGI programme was a key reason for receiving the four buses. He expressed hope for an FCT in the coming years where residents would choose these buses over private vehicles, similar to practices in developed countries.