The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has handed over thirty-five hybrid Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered buses to the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG), marking a major push in Nigeria’s shift towards cleaner and more affordable fuel alternatives.
At a brief ceremony held Monday at the NNPC Towers, the Group CEO of NNPC Ltd, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting the federal government’s gas expansion agenda. He said the deployment of CNG buses aligns with NNPC’s strategy to promote CNG as a cleaner, cheaper, and sustainable transportation fuel. Ojulari highlighted the company’s recent progress in expanding gas supply, infrastructure, and retail distribution across the country.
“NNPC Ltd is playing a pivotal role in driving the Federal Government’s gas agenda towards energy transition,” he stated.
Representing the federal government, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, described the buses as more than just vehicles. According to him, they are symbols of economic relief, social equity, and environmental responsibility. He added that the initiative reflects President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to reduce transportation costs, cut down on petrol consumption, and harness Nigeria’s vast natural gas reserves for the benefit of ordinary citizens.
Executive Vice President of Downstream, NNPC Ltd, Mumuni Dagazau, noted that the adoption of CNG holds significant economic potential by decreasing reliance on petrol and diesel. This, he said, would result in cost savings while boosting the local gas industry.
Also speaking at the event, Executive Vice President for Gas, Power & New Energy, reiterated NNPC Ltd’s commitment to championing the commercialisation of CNG as demand rises nationwide.
The Managing Director of NNPC Foundation, Emmanuella Arukwe, added that the initiative reflects a deliberate effort by NNPC to shape a new energy future that positively impacts people, communities, and the environment.
Programme Coordinator and CEO of the Presidential CNG Initiative, Michael Oluwagbemi, applauded NNPC Ltd for its consistent support, describing the company as a dependable partner since the inception of the programme.
The handover is seen as a major step in scaling up clean energy transportation across Nigeria, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to energy diversification and climate goals.
