By Dr. Nafisat Makinde
In a bold step towards cleaner, more affordable, and sustainable public transport, the Presidential CNG Initiative (Pi-CNG) has donated four Hybrid Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA). The official handover, which took place at the FCTA Complex, marked a significant milestone in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for greener mobility in the nation’s capital.
The gesture stems from an ongoing collaboration between the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited and Pi-CNG to transform Nigeria’s transportation sector through affordable and eco-friendly energy solutions. Building on this partnership, Pi-CNG Programme Director and Chief Executive, Engr. Michael Oluwagbemi, formally presented the bus keys to FCT Minister Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike — represented at the event by Dr. Chinedum Elechi, Mandate Secretary, FCTA Transportation Secretariat.
Speaking at the ceremony, Oluwagbemi underscored the significance of the donation, stating, “This Handover Note documents the delivery and receipt of four CNG-powered buses for deployment under the Pi-CNG operational framework. The NNPC Limited’s support is driving sustainable transportation, cutting carbon emissions, and improving public mobility.” He explained that the FCTA will operate, maintain, and manage the buses throughout their lifespan, while Pi-CNG will monitor their use to ensure they serve the intended public service purposes.
In his remarks, Dr. Elechi expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu for his commitment to modern urban transport, stressing that robust public transportation is essential for any modern city. “The Honourable Minister has always stated that there is no modern city without a robust public transportation system. The arrival of these buses will significantly improve the FCT’s transit network,” he said.
Elechi linked the donation to recent transport infrastructure gains, citing the commissioning of ultramodern bus terminals at Mabushi and Kugbo, and announced plans to acquire more buses to further strengthen the network. The event reached its climax with the signing of an operational agreement between Pi-CNG and the FCTA, followed by Dr. Elechi’s inspection of the new buses and the formal receipt of their keys.
Those in attendance included Dr. Chinedum Elechi, Mandate Secretary, FCTA Transportation Secretariat; Engr. Michael Oluwagbemi, Programme Director/Chief Executive, Pi-CNG; Engr. Joseph Akinteye, Director, Transportation Department, FCTA; and Dr. Bello Abdullateef, Director, Department of Road Transport Services (DRTS).
