FG HANDS OVER 64 BUSES TO THE ORGANISED LABOUR AND THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIAN STUDENTS 29-09-24
By Sadiq Aminu The Federal Government has handed over 64 buses to the organised labour and the National Association of Nigerian students.
The buses, which are CNG-powered, are 15-passenger capacity, equipped with air conditioners and entertainment facilities.
At the event, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Muhammad Idris, said the the provision of the buses was a promise kept by President Tinubu.
Delivered as as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary, Alhaji Muhammad Idris said they would ease transportation fares by about 70 percent.
Similarly, the Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, said about 500 more of such buses of various capacities, including 100 electric ones, had been ordered, adding they would soon be delivered.
He emphasised that the initiative was aimed at alleviating the burden on the poor and vulnerable, and supporting macro-economic reforms that would position the country on the path to economic stability.
The Secretary-General and Chief Executive of Trade Union Congress, Comrade Nuhu Toro, President of the National Association of Nigerian Students , Comrade Lucky Emonefe; and the Head of International Desk, Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Uche Ekwe, commended President Tinubu for the gesture.
They however called for the provision of more CNG buses to completely ease the transportation problem in the country.
The Programme Director/Chief Executive of PCNGi, Mr. Michael Oluwagbemi, had said since its establishment one year ago, over 125 conversion centres had been established, compared to the initial seven.
He said investment in the sector had exceeded 175 million dollars, with 12 new mother stations commissioned and 75 more under construction.
He said technician training had been boosted, with 40 new technicians trained weekly, adding that over 34,000 conversion kits have been ordered, with more than half already distributed.