Introduction to New Transportation Initiative
The Federal Capital Territory Administration has taken delivery of four 50-seater hybrid buses from the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative, PCNGI, to strengthen public transportation in Abuja. The high-capacity buses, which can run on both Compressed Natural Gas, CNG, and Automotive Gas Oil, AGO, were handed over to the FCT Administration on Friday, by the PCNGI in what officials described as a 24-hour fulfilment of a pledge made to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Handover Ceremony
Receiving the keys on behalf of the minister, the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Transport Secretariat, Chinedu Elechi, recalled how the promise was made a day earlier when he represented Wike at the National PCNG Programme on Gas. “When you said, ‘We are going to give you four super 50-seater hybrid buses PCNG and AGO that will run immediately,’ I said, ‘Are you serious?’ And you said, ‘We can do it in 24 hours.’ We were very happy that the promise you made, the buses are here, and this is what we’ll push about the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Elechi said.
Benefits of the New Buses
He noted that the four buses, with a combined capacity to move over 200 people at a time, will complement the minister’s ongoing repositioning of public transport infrastructure, which includes new roads, bridges, and modern bus terminals. “The Honourable Minister has always said that no modern city can survive without a robust public transportation system. We have just commissioned two modern bus terminals at Mabushi and Kugbo, and these buses will be very helpful. We are going to get more buses, the minister is already working on that. On behalf of the FCTA, we thank you and Mr President for this initiative,” he added.
Selection of FCT as Beneficiary
Earlier, PCNGI Program Director and Chief Executive, Michael Oluwagbemi, said the FCT was chosen as a major beneficiary for demonstrating strong support for the gas-powered transport programme and investing heavily in infrastructure. “Our philosophy at the PCNGI is to talk and do. Yesterday, I called the Mandate Secretary and asked if we could deliver in the next 24 hours. He said it was doable, and here we are today,” Oluwagbemi said. “We see your terminals, we see your roads, and we want these buses to serve as foundation assets for the operation of the new transport system.”
Future Plans and Expectations
He described Abuja as “Nigeria’s most important physical achievement since independence” and expressed hope that within two to three years, even private car owners would prefer using public buses, as in developed countries. Oluwagbemi also revealed that the Federal Road Safety Corps will introduce new number plate formats for CNG and electric vehicles in September, adding that the FCT received four buses because of its direct role in public transportation. “This is a presidential initiative. Mr President wants to see Nigerians move around cheaper, safer, and more reliably. On behalf of Mr President, the board, management and staff of the PCNGI, I hand over these four CNG hybrid buses to the glory of God, to the service of humanity, and for the employment of the people of the FCT,” he said.
Conclusion
The introduction of these hybrid buses marks a significant step towards improving public transportation in Abuja. With the ability to run on both CNG and AGO, these buses offer a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution for commuters. The FCT Administration’s commitment to repositioning public transport infrastructure, coupled with the PCNGI’s initiative, is expected to have a positive impact on the city’s transportation system.
FAQs
- Q: What type of buses were handed over to the FCT Administration?
A: Four 50-seater hybrid buses that can run on both Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). - Q: Why was the FCT chosen as a major beneficiary of the PCNGI?
A: The FCT was chosen for demonstrating strong support for the gas-powered transport programme and investing heavily in infrastructure. - Q: What is the expected impact of the introduction of these hybrid buses on Abuja’s transportation system?
A: The introduction of these buses is expected to improve public transportation in Abuja, offering a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution for commuters. - Q: Are there plans to introduce more buses in the future?
A: Yes, the minister is already working on getting more buses to further complement the public transport infrastructure. - Q: What new initiative will the Federal Road Safety Corps introduce in September?
A: The Federal Road Safety Corps will introduce new number plate formats for CNG and electric vehicles in September.
