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NURTW: FG Hasn’t Met Promise for CNG Bus Conversions

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The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has criticized the Federal Government for failing to meet its promise of assisting transporters in converting their buses to compressed natural gas (CNG) following the removal of the petrol subsidy on May 29, 2023.

NURTW spokesperson Segun Falade told NIGERIA NEWS 247 on Friday, “The initial plan was to provide 1,000 CNG buses, but we argued that this number was insufficient and pushed for 10,000. As a result, we ordered 5,000 buses ourselves. Currently, these buses are available, but many are still at conversion facilities.”

President Bola Tinubu, in his inaugural speech on May 29, 2023, declared an end to the petrol subsidy, leading to a dramatic increase in petrol prices from an average of N238.11 per liter before May 29 to N750 per liter, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

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In response, the President introduced the Presidential CNG Initiative in October 2023, aimed at offering safer, more affordable, and eco-friendly energy solutions. This initiative includes plans to roll out 5,500 CNG buses and tricycles, 100 electric buses, and over 20,000 CNG conversion kits.

Falade expressed frustration over the delays, stating, “While the consignment from the conversion facilities has been partially completed, it’s not up to our expectations. We are waiting for the rest to be distributed and launched.”

He explained that the project, originally slated for completion by May 29, has faced delays due to unforeseen issues. “We are dealing with a lot of issues from the recent protests, and I believe the government is taking these concerns seriously,” Falade added.

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Earlier in April 2024, the Presidency announced plans to launch approximately 2,700 CNG-powered buses and tricycles before President Tinubu’s first anniversary in office on May 29. The statement from the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, highlighted preparations for the initiative, stating, “By the end of May, Nigeria will start deploying CNG vehicles, with 2,500 tricycles ready and 200 units expected to be delivered before the anniversary.”

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