FCTA receives PCNG hybrid buses to boost public transport
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has taken delivery of four CNG-diesel hybrid buses from the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) to enhance public transportation in Abuja.
The buses, each with a 50-seater capacity, were officially handed over in Abuja on Thursday, a move the FCTA says aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government to improve mobility, reduce transport costs, and promote cleaner energy use.
Receiving the keys on behalf of the FCT Minister, the Transport Mandate Secretary, Chinedu Elechi, recalled that the delivery was made within 24 hours of a promise by the PCNGI leadership.
Elechi emphasised that the new buses would help move over 200 passengers efficiently while supporting the city’s tourism potential.
He noted that the FCT Minister has been investing in transport infrastructure, commissioning two modern bus terminals at Mabushi and Kugbo, and working to expand the city’s bus fleet.
“No modern city can survive without a robust public transportation system. Tourists don’t come with their private transportation. Tourism also depends on a robust public transportation system.
“As good as they look, these buses will be very helpful. We are going to get more buses, the minister is already working on that,” Elechi said.
The Mandate Secretary also conveyed the Administration’s appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for initiating the PCNG programme and to the donor for his swift action.
“On behalf of the Minister and the FCTA, we want to thank you and extend our gratitude to Mr. President, whose initiative this is, and you too for your hard work,” he stated.
Presenting the buses, PCNGI Program Director/Chief Executive, Michael Oluwagbemi, said the FCT was selected as a major beneficiary due to its strong support for the initiative and its investment in roads and terminals.
Oluwagbemi expressed optimism that the buses would serve as “a foundation asset for the operation of the new terminal and transportation system,” envisioning an Abuja where residents, regardless of private car ownership, would choose public transport.
“I look forward in the next two to three years to an FCT where I will decide to leave my vehicle at home and take one of these buses as it is done in other developed countries,” he said.
The PCNGI boss praised Abuja’s development, calling the city “Nigeria’s most important physical achievement since independence” and likening the CNG initiative to the vision that birthed the capital.
“The same way that we made it happen, we are going to make compressed natural gas happen for transportation,” he said.
He disclosed that the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) would be launching new plate number formats for CNG and electric vehicles in September.
Oluwagbemi reiterated that the donation was part of President Tinubu’s plan to make transportation in Nigeria “cheaper, safer, and reliable.”
