+34
...as Independent marketers seek inclusion The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has recorded measurable reductions in transport fares through the
has recorded measurable reductions in transport fares through the deployment of Compressed Natural Gas vehicles, according to the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative PCNGI & Electric Vehicles, yesterday.
Responding to The Nation’s inquiry on the deployment of CNG buses to the city capital and its impact on transport fares, the Initiative said the programme is deploying measures to expand the buses to cover new routes. A WhatsApp message from the office to The Nation said, “The FCT is already recording measurable reductions in transport fares through the deployment of CNG vehicles, and we are now working to expand the number of buses and routes covered.
” The PCNGI & EV stressed that through its partnership with transport operators, CNG-powered commercial vehicles are already operating on a number of Abuja commuter routes at significantly reduced fares. It added that commuters on the Area 1–Gwagwalada route are paying about ₦900, down from ₦1,500, while fares to Nyanya have dropped from about ₦700 to ₦420.
Beyond deploying buses, the Initiative is working with the FCT Administration, transport unions and operators on the broader requirements for affordable CNG transportation — including identifying priority corridors, increasing vehicle conversions and ensuring adequate refuelling infrastructure. He added, “We are also expanding the fleet. Additional CNG buses have been allocated to the FCT for commercial operations, with more buses coming into Abuja as part of the current deployment.
These buses will run on high-traffic routes with clear fare reductions so commuters can directly benefit from CNG’s lower operating cost.
“Beyond the deployment of buses, we are working with the FCT Administration, transport unions and operators on the broader requirements for affordable CNG transportation — including identifying priority corridors, increasing vehicle conversions and ensuring adequate refuelling infrastructure. “So, for the FCT, October 1 is not the beginning of the process. Reduced fares are already being recorded on some routes. The focus now is on scale: more buses, more converted commercial vehicles, more routes, and wider access to those lower fares.
“Ultimately, the objective of the Presidential directive is straightforward. The savings operators make from using cheaper energy must also be felt by the passenger. That is what we are working to achieve in the FCT and across the country. ” Meanwhile, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria said it is not enough to distribute the buses.
Its National President, Alhaji Abubakar Maigandi, said the challenge in implementing the PCNGI &EV is stations converting or installing the kits and providing CNG in retail outlets. He said, “Distributing buses is not enough. What people are looking at is the stations where they can get and consume this CNG.
” He recalled that he has been calling on the PCNGI to partner with the independent petroleum marketers so that they can deploy the gas throughout the country instead of restricting it to Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt. Maigandi based his call for partnership on the fact that his members already have outlets nationwide. The IPMAN boss decried the long, frustrating queues at the few CNG stations, noting that the situation frustrates customers.
“But now if you look where there is CNG, we see a very long queue, which is frustrating the customers,” he said. According to him, his members have been reluctant to invest in CNG due to a lack of support from the Federal Government, as the project is capital intensive. Maigandi said the association is not seeking a grant for the CNG business but the creation of an Energy Bank, where marketers can source a single-digit interest loan.
Meanwhile, an anonymous commuter, whom The Nation sought a response from on fare reduction in the FCT, decried the difficulty of identifying CNG-powered vehicles. He said virtually all the drivers charge the same fares for the same journey; they have pacts with the PCNGI. The government has signed agreements with different transport unions to charge cheaper fares in the capital city.
Abuja doctor reveals a unique way to permanently cure weak erection, small and shameful manhood, and infertility issues without side effects within a short period. Click now to see!! NEWS UPDATE: Nigerians can now earn as much as $15,000- $25,000 with premium domains. You decide if you want payment in Naira or US Dollars.
Be sure to ask for evidence and proof of people benefitting daily from this. CLICK HERE TO START. 🩺 Healthcare is now just a click away! Connect with healthcare professionals from anywhere with DesolNetwork Telemedicine. 👉 Register now & learn more: https://desolnetwork.com
Nigeria Latest News, Nigeria Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Akwa Ibom takes delivery of equipment for 10mmscf/d CNG mother station in Esit EketThe first batch of equipment for a 10 million standard cubic feet per day CNG mother station has arrived at Uquo Isi Edoho in Esit Eket LGA, Akwa Ibom State, ahead of installation and commissioning.
Read more »
A/Ibom To Launch CNG Buses As Firm Procures Gas Stations' InfrastructureAs Akwa Ibom State government intensified efforts to launch no fewer than 50 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) - powered buses to ease the transportation burden on
Read more »
Fed Govt targets students, lecturers in CNG transport cost reliefThe federal government has unveiled a two-pronged Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) intervention to reduce transport costs for university students, lecturers
Read more »
Akwa Ibom Receives Critical Equipment for 10 MMSCF/D CNG Mother StationAkwa Ibom State has taken delivery of essential equipment for its planned 10 million standard cubic feet per day CNG mother station in Esit Eket Local Government Area. The consignment from Chinese manufacturer CIMC includes compressors and filtration systems aimed at strengthening CNG distribution and supporting the federal initiative to shift transport operators from petrol to cleaner alternative fuels.
Read more »