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. 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.” 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.
In a bold move to strengthen Nigeria’s natural gas distribution infrastructure, the NNPC Gas Marketing Limited (NGML) has announced a new joint venture agreement with Zuid Energies Limited. This strategic collaboration focuses on constructing a 6 million standard cubic feet per day Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) plant alongside a 40 MMSCFD (Million Standard Cubic Feet per Day) Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plant in Ajaokuta, Kogi State. This major announcement was made public in a statement released on Friday by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). The initiative is part of a wider vision to extend gas marketing and improve access to energy solutions across the country. Strategic Collaboration Unveiled at Industry Event The formal signing of the partnership agreement took place during the Mobility-CNG Stakeholders Workshop held in Abuja. The event, themed “Deepening Industry Alignment for a Sustainable Mobility-CNG Sub-Sector,” brought together top regulators, industry stakeholders, and gas ecosystem players. NNPCL emphasized that this partnership reflects NGML’s ongoing strategy to work with private sector players, particularly in providing innovative Virtual Pipeline Solutions. These solutions aim to improve gas supply to off-grid communities and regions with insufficient energy access. Broader Energy Investment in Kogi State This recent development aligns with earlier reports highlighting NNPCL’s commitment to expanding its energy footprint in Kogi State. LMSINT MEDIA previously reported on January 31, 2025, that NNPCL launched the construction of five mini-LNG plants in Ajaokuta, with a total daily capacity of 97 million standard cubic feet. According to the national oil giant, these LNG projects are being developed in partnership with various private firms to enhance domestic gas utilization, particularly for household cooking, power generation, and automotive mobility. Details of the LNG Project Line-up As outlined in an earlier statement by Olufemi Soneye, the former Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPCL, the following five LNG projects are currently under construction: Soneye described this initiative as a “groundbreaking collaboration” that reflects the government’s commitment to energy self-reliance, boosting off-grid industrial operations, and reducing carbon emissions through clean fuel alternatives. Harnessing Kogi’s Natural Gas Potential These ongoing developments will tap into the abundant natural gas reserves in Kogi State, especially via the Ajaokuta-Obajana pipeline, to strengthen the national supply of LNG and CNG. These resources are expected to fuel power stations, cooking gas outlets, and vehicles, thereby expanding Nigeria’s energy access and reducing dependency on imported fuels. Additionally, this initiative supports the Federal Government’s 10-for-10 Campaign, which aims to transition 10,000 commercial vehicles to CNG fuel within 10 weeks, promoting cleaner transportation alternatives.
