FG Donates CNG Buses to National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS)
On September 29, 2024, the Federal Government of Nigeria donated Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) as part of the country's 64th independence anniversary celebrations.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
The Federal Government has officially donated Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, comprising 100-capacity and 15-seater models, to the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). This significant event took place on Sunday at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, coinciding with Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary.
The donation aligns with President Bola Tinubu's commitment to enhancing transportation accessibility for students across the nation. During a prior meeting on July 18 with NANS leadership regarding the new minimum wage, President Tinubu had pledged the initial distribution of CNG buses to the student body. This promise has now been fulfilled, highlighting the government's focus on student welfare and support.
In a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Wale Edun, the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, led the government delegation that presented the buses. Edun emphasized that the initiative is part of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI), aimed at providing affordable transportation and mitigating the economic impact of fuel subsidy removal.
"Nigerian students are happy to be celebrating the 64th anniversary of independence. We are not only pleased with the CNG buses; we believe that the current President loves the welfare of students and has shown his commitment to this," said NANS President Comrade Lucky Emonefe. He acknowledged the government's efforts to improve educational support, including the establishment of a student loan scheme for higher education.
The symbolic handover of these buses is just the beginning of a larger initiative. Edun noted that the government plans to roll out over 500 CNG buses and 100 electric vehicles in the coming phases. This strategy aims to provide more affordable and cleaner transportation options, benefiting students and the broader Nigerian populace.
The donation has been positively received by NANS, with leaders expressing gratitude for the government's commitment to student welfare. Comrade Emonefe urged for more CNG buses to be made available to the public, emphasizing the potential benefits this could have on transportation accessibility and affordability.
