By Ismaila Jimoh, Abuja
Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has taken delivery of four super 50-seater hybrid buses powered by compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Automotive Gas Oil known as diesel fuel which was donated to it by the Presidential CNG Initiative, a flagship program of the Federal Government.
Receiving the keys of the buses on Thursday on behalf of the FCT Minister, Barr.Nyesom Wike, the Mandate Secretary, Transport Secretariat, FCTA, Chinedu Elechi, said the gesture was a welcome development, as it will compliment the ongoing repositioning of the public transport architecture in the FCT.
He noted that the buses will be moving over 200 people efficiently, thereby improving the daily mass transit of commuters across the territory.
According to him, the FCT Minister has always said it that, there is no modern city that can survive without a robust public transportation system.
“So, public transportation is meant to move people from one point to the other, especially those who cannot afford private transportation, or those who can afford private transportation but opt to go on the public system. Because when the tourists come in, the tourists don’t come with their private transportation. So the tourism also depends on q robust public transportation system.
“This is why the Honourable Minister (Wike) has built roads, bridges, and is now building bus terminals. We have just commissioned two of the modern bus terminals at Mabushi and Kugbo.
“These buses, as good as they look, will be very helpful. We are going to get more buses, the minister is already working on that and we thank you so very much for this. It looks very nice. I’m sure both those who have private transportation or those who do not, would enjoy the ride.
“So, on behalf of the Honorable Minister and the FCTA, we want to thank you and we say that you should extend our gratitude to Mr. President, whose initiative this is, and you too for your hard work,” he stated.
Ealier, while making the donation, Program Director/Chief Executive, Presidential CNG Initiative, Mr. Michael Oluwagbemi, said the donation was part of its effort to make CNG happen for efficient public transportation.
He said the FCT having demonstrated great support for the program, and showing great innovation by investing not just in the roads but in terminals under the leadership of the FCT Minister, it felt that the FCT should be a major beneficiary of the initiative.
He expressed hope that the delivery of the buses will be a foundation asset for the operation of the new terminals and robust transportation system in the FCT.
He explained that: “This is a presidential initiative, Mr. President wants to see Nigerians move around cheaper, safer and reliable. On behalf of Mr. President, on behalf of the board of the PCNGI and its the management and staff, I hand over these four CNG hybrid buses to the service of humanity and for the employment of the people of the FCT.
“You are receiving four because you are one of our biggest supporters and also because through you,
we know more people because you are in the business of direct transportation at the FCT. We see your terminals, we see your roads.
“We have identified potential onward beneficiaries of these buses to ensure that it gets to the people of Nigeria and delivers the promise of Mr. President.
“I want to say that we look forward to your (FCTA) continued partnership. We just left the FRSC and they informed us that now they will be launching new plate number formats for both CNG and EV vehicles in September.”
