The Nigerian government allays concerns about the dangers of CNG in vehicles

The Federal Government on Sunday dismissed concerns over the safety of new buses that run on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), assuring Nigerians that the risk of explosion is very small.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, in a conversation with journalists in Abuja, emphasized that the gas cylinders are bulletproof and smooth, thereby eliminating the possibility of an explosion.

The government on Sunday handed over 64 CNG powered buses to trade unions and the National Students Association of Nigeria as part of the President’s CNG initiative pilot program.

The buses, with a capacity of 100 seats, will be distributed across states and campuses across the country.

Idris said: “Yes, we are considering this. No risk of explosion. The cylinder itself is bulletproof. Seamless, meaning it is not welded at any joints or parts. So, everything is intact. They are safe and you wouldn’t expect any explosions.”

Distribution and Impact

Distribution details include:

– 40 buses to the union

– 20 buses to student unions

– 4 buses for passenger transportation in Abuja

READ ALSO:Nigerian government woos Labor Party, NANS with 64 CNG buses

The initiative comes six weeks after President Bola Tinubu unveiled 30 hybrid-powered CNG buses donated by the Nigerian Petroleum Products Marketers and Depots Association. The program aims to provide affordable transportation, and Nigerians are expected to save 60% on transportation costs due to the lower cost of CNG compared to Premium Motor Spirit.

Future Plans

The government has ordered more than 700 additional buses, with plans to release 2,700 CNG-powered buses and rickshaws before the end of 2024. This includes 600 buses, 2,500 rickshaws, 100 conversion workshops and 60 refueling locations in 18 states.

The minister added: “This is the first step that the government needs to take… This is a promise that Mr President has kept to the people of Nigeria, and we know that in the near future, more of these buses will ply all the roads in the country.”

“Now, let me emphasize that this is not all. More than 700 of these buses have been ordered. This is the first set we are distributing to symbolize the official start of this Mr. President’s initiative. So don’t say you only have 64 buses to serve the whole country. This is the first step the government needs to take.”

Idris believes that because CNG costs much less than Premium Motor Spirit, Nigerians can save 60 percent on transportation costs when the initiative is fully operational.

“You will spend a lot less money on the fuel. Filling the two tanks you see here will cost you around N15,000, compared to N72,000 for petrol. This is a drastic reduction. The private sector has contributed.

“This starts with those who need it most; the working class will get this. But more than that, everyone will feel the impact.

“This is a promise the President kept to the people of Nigeria, and we know that in the near future, more buses will ply all the roads in the country,” he concluded.

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