FG vows no return to poverty, exporting jobs, impoverishing Nigerians

The Federal Government vowed yesterday that Nigeria would never return to importing poverty, exporting jobs, and impoverishing Nigerians by continuing to import fuel for vehicles.

The Project Director and CEO of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Initiative, Engr. Oluwagbemi, stated this during the presentation of 20 CNG buses to Pacesetter Transport Service in Ibadan. Oluwagbemi said the initiative aims to foster sustainable partnerships to improve Nigerians’ standard of living.

He expressed delight in setting the pace for the CNG platform program, noting that their visit to Oyo State was to fulfil a campaign promise made by President Tinubu. The deployment of CNG buses, he said, is intended to address issues affecting Nigerians, especially concerning petrol importation.

He added: “President Tinubu set up the initiative to improve our people’s lives. Instead of importing petrol, subsidising poverty, exporting jobs, and impoverishing the people, we are using our resources. Nigeria has 282 trillion cubic feet of gas, which is enough for 300 years, yet we waste what God gave us. We must use it to improve our people’s lives. We cannot go back to importing poverty. We must continue to do things right.”

Oluwagbemi said that Oyo State is a prime location for launching the CNG initiative, and the president is urging the use of gas to thrive in transportation, industries, and agriculture. “We are committed to this sustainable partnership with Pacesetter Transport Service to generate income and ensure a brighter future for Oyo State and Nigeria,” he added.

The Chairman of Pacesetter Transport Service, Dr. Ibraheem Salami, praised the initiative as a strategic solution to the country’s challenges. He said that the CNG approach is the best way to address problems in the state, particularly following the removal of subsidies.

The Special Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Environment, Ademole Aderinto, also highlighted the benefits of CNG, calling it cheaper, cleaner, healthier, and more reliable. “CNG is the way to go,” he said. “It will reduce emissions, save our environment, and improve health.”