The Nigerian Government has donated Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to Plateau State, a move expected to strengthen the state’s public transport system and ease mobility challenges for small business operators.
The gesture is part of the Federal Government’s clean energy and transport reform agenda under the Presidential CNG Initiative, which seeks to transition Nigeria’s transport sector from petrol and diesel to cleaner, locally sourced natural gas. The plan aims to cut operating costs, improve logistics, and enhance productivity for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) that rely heavily on daily transportation.
According to the presidency, the donated buses were locally assembled by Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM), reinforcing the government’s commitment to supporting local production and reducing dependence on imported vehicles. The buses will serve as a major boost to public transport in Plateau, where high transport costs have long affected traders, artisans, and small logistics operators.
The Tinubu administration has emphasized that the CNG rollout forms part of its “Renewed Hope” economic agenda, designed to cushion the impact of rising transport costs following the removal of fuel subsidies. With natural gas being significantly cheaper than petrol, the CNG system is expected to lower fares, improve affordability for commuters, and allow small business owners to move goods and services more efficiently across the state.
Experts say the initiative could unlock new opportunities for local commerce, increase productivity, and promote inclusive economic growth if the necessary support infrastructure, such as refuelling and maintenance stations is put in place. While CNG adoption is expanding across southern states, several northern states, including Plateau, are still working on establishing conversion centres and gas supply stations to sustain operations.
Beyond affordability, the transition to CNG aligns with Nigeria’s climate goals by cutting carbon emissions and promoting cleaner energy use in urban transportation. The federal government said similar donations would continue across the country as part of efforts to modernise transport and drive green economic growth.
For Plateau’s MSMEs, the introduction of these eco-friendly buses offers more than just mobility, it represents a chance to reduce business costs, improve logistics, and strengthen their role in the state’s growing economy.
