More facts are emerging on why the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses are not working in the states, after more than a year since the federal government announced the conversion policy.
LEADERSHIP reports that the federal government has announced the promotion of the use of CNG buses for transportation, as part of a broader initiative to reduce transportation costs, improve energy efficiency, and transition towards cleaner energy sources.
The initiative included handing over of CNG-powered buses to transport unions and offering incentives for their use through the state governments.
Reacting to the delay for the take off of the initiative in Niger State yesterday after the state government announced the purchase of about 200 CNG buses, the commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hon Binta Mamman stated that the delay was because there were no CNG plants in the state.
She said three plants were under construction in the state but no one has been completed to power the buses.
Hon. Mamman said, “We have one plant in Suleja , Minna and one other under construction in Niger state, but no one is completed yet, if completed we will deploy the buses on the road to ease transportation for the targeted groups like students, workers among others.
“It is good that we have already purchased the buses. There are states that are finding it difficult to purchase the buses now because of the cost. We are smart enough to purchase them earlier. I am assuring you that immediately the plants are completed, the buses will start working. Nothing has happened to the buses,” she posited.
Meanwhile the state governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, has constituted a committee for the implementation of food systems transformation pathways in the state.
He enjoined the committee members to work diligently towards achieving success, while assuring them of his unwavering support.
The committee is to be chaired by the commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mustapha Ndajiwo; with permanent secretary, Planning, Aishatu Usman as the secretary.