The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has reinforced its commitment to cleaner energy by donating 35 hybrid Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered buses to the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG). The handover ceremony took place on Monday at the NNPC Towers in Abuja, underscoring NNPC Ltd’s active role in supporting the Federal Government’s energy transition agenda.
At the event, NNPC Ltd’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Bashir Ojulari, emphasized the company’s dedication to advancing the national gas strategy. He highlighted the significant progress already made in expanding gas supply, infrastructure, distribution networks, and retail operations.
“This donation is a clear reflection of NNPC Ltd’s commitment to promoting CNG as a cleaner, more affordable, and sustainable fuel option for Nigeria,” Ojulari remarked.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, praised the buses as powerful symbols of economic opportunity and environmental responsibility. Describing them as “more than just vehicles,” Ekpo linked the initiative directly to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to reduce transportation expenses, lessen dependence on petrol, and harness Nigeria’s natural gas resources for national development.
Mumuni Dagazau, NNPC Ltd’s Executive Vice President for Downstream, elaborated on the economic benefits of the CNG transition. He pointed out how adopting CNG can decrease reliance on petrol (PMS) and diesel (AGO), lower fuel costs, and stimulate growth in the domestic gas industry.
The company’s Executive Vice President for Gas, Power, and New Energy reaffirmed NNPC Ltd’s leadership role in promoting the commercialisation of CNG across the country, aligning with the growing momentum for sustainable fuel alternatives.
Emmanuella Arukwe, Managing Director of the NNPC Foundation, framed the donation as part of a wider vision to build an inclusive and sustainable energy future for Nigeria.
Michael Oluwagbemi, CEO and Programme Coordinator of the Presidential CNG Initiative, hailed NNPC Ltd as a key partner since the program’s inception. He described the donation of the 35 buses as a significant boost to the country’s efforts in driving widespread CNG adoption.
Background
Launched to ease the financial burden on commuters, reduce environmental pollution, and capitalize on Nigeria’s abundant natural gas reserves, the Presidential Initiative on CNG aims to modernize public transport. The newly donated buses will serve as pilot units within public transportation fleets in major Nigerian cities, helping to demonstrate the viability and benefits of CNG technology.
