Presidential CNG Initiative Donates Four 50-Seater Hybrid Buses to FCTA for Public Transport Boost

The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi) has officially handed over four 50-seater hybrid buses to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) in a move aimed at enhancing the public transportation network within Abuja and its environs.

These newly donated buses operate using Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in combination with Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) — commonly referred to as diesel — making them dual-powered vehicles capable of offering efficient and environmentally friendly transport solutions to residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The Nigerian government first introduced the PCNG Initiative in 2023 as part of a nationwide strategy to encourage the use of CNG-powered and electric vehicles. This shift aims to significantly improve mass transit systems, reduce operational and fuel costs for drivers, and create sustainable employment opportunities within the transportation sector.

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Donation Ceremony and Significance

The handover ceremony took place with Michael Oluwagbemi, the Programme Director and Chief Executive Officer of PCNGi, officially presenting the buses to the FCTA. The donation was received on behalf of the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, by Chinedu Elechi, the FCT Mandate Secretary for Transportation.

While addressing the event, Elechi highlighted that the four buses would help bolster the ongoing reforms aimed at transforming public transport in Abuja. According to him, each bus can carry 50 passengers, collectively transporting over 200 commuters per trip in a safe, comfortable, and reliable manner.

Elechi further noted that Minister Wike is making deliberate efforts to acquire additional buses to further expand the fleet. He emphasised that an improved public transport system would not only serve local residents but also encourage tourism in the FCT.

“Public transportation exists to serve everyone — from those who cannot afford private vehicles to those who choose to use public transit for convenience,” Elechi stated. “When tourists arrive, they often rely on our transportation system, and that is why the FCT is investing in new buses, modern road networks, bridges, and state-of-the-art bus terminals. Recently, we commissioned two world-class terminals located at Mabushi and Kugbo.”

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Support for the CNG Vision

In his own remarks, Oluwagbemi explained that the bus donation aligns with PCNGi’s mission to make Compressed Natural Gas a mainstream fuel option for Nigeria’s transport sector. He stressed that the hybrid buses would drastically reduce commuting costs for residents, which is a priority for the present administration.

“This is a presidential initiative,” Oluwagbemi said. “Mr. President is committed to ensuring Nigerians can travel more cheaply, safely, and reliably. On behalf of the President, the board of PCNGi, and our entire team, I proudly hand over these four hybrid CNG buses for the benefit of the people of the FCT. They are intended to serve humanity and create more job opportunities in the transportation space.”

When asked why the FCTA was selected for this donation, Oluwagbemi revealed that Abuja has demonstrated strong institutional support for the CNG programme and already possesses the infrastructure necessary to facilitate CNG-powered public transport operations.

With this development, residents of Abuja can expect safer, greener, and more cost-effective public transportation, reflecting the government’s long-term plan for a cleaner energy transition in Nigeria’s mobility sector.