Nigeria’s state oil company NNPC Ltd. on Monday handed over 35 hybrid compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered buses to the Presidential Initiative on CNG, as part of efforts to promote cleaner and more affordable public transportation in Africa’s most populous nation.
The move aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s energy transition plan, which aims to reduce petrol dependence and cut transport costs by harnessing Nigeria’s vast natural gas reserves.
Group CEO of NNPC, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, said the initiative was part of the company’s commitment to support the federal government’s gas policy. “NNPC Ltd. is playing a pivotal role in driving the gas agenda towards energy transition,” he said at a brief ceremony in Abuja.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, described the buses as “instruments of economic relief, social equity and environmental responsibility,” adding that they “signal a future where the ordinary Nigerian can commute safely, affordably and efficiently.”
The initiative is a key part of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to diversify the country’s energy sources following the removal of fuel subsidies last year.
NNPC executives said the adoption of CNG will reduce Nigeria’s reliance on petrol and diesel, offer significant cost savings, and stimulate domestic gas industry growth.
“As the CNG commercialisation drive gathers momentum, NNPC will continue to lead the way,” said Olalekan Ogunleye, NNPC’s Executive Vice President for Gas, Power & New Energy.
The Presidential CNG Initiative’s CEO, Michael Oluwagbemi, praised NNPC as a “reliable partner” and said the new buses would help accelerate the nationwide rollout of CNG transport.
