Governor AbdulRazaq welcomes FG’s CNG initiative in Kwara

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has lauded the Federal Government’s energy transition initiative following the delivery of 20 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered buses and 20 tricycles to the state. The vehicles, provided under the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI), aim to bolster mass transit and alleviate the impact of fuel subsidy removal on residents.

Speaking at the handover ceremony in Ilorin, Governor AbdulRazaq praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of PCNGI for their commitment to cleaner energy and sustainable transport. He noted that the initiative marks another milestone in the government’s efforts to improve public transportation and reduce costs for commuters.

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“This is another strategic partnership between our government, private sector players, and the Federal Government to bring ease to our people. These 18-seater shuttle buses and tricycles will be deployed to support the public transport system at a discounted cost to the people,” he said.

Governor AbdulRazaq highlighted the partnership with B-One Mobility Limited, which is establishing a gas-powered tricycle assembly plant in Kwara. He described the collaboration as a significant socioeconomic boost for the state, promising job creation, poverty reduction, and an affordable, clean transport system.

The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi, Speaker of the Kwara House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Yakubu Salihu Danladi, State Chief Judge Justice Abiodun Adebara, and Executive Vice Chairman of PCNGI Mr. Toyin Zubair, among others.

Mr. Zubair commended Kwara for embracing the CNG initiative, emphasizing the Federal Government’s dedication to supporting the state with investments in vehicle conversion centres and other infrastructure. He revealed that the government aims to convert one million vehicles nationwide from petrol to CNG.

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“Kwara is among the states leading the way in adopting CNG technology. We assure the state of our strong partnership as we work towards this transformative agenda under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Zubair said.

B-One Mobility Limited CEO, Mr. Atul Saraf, highlighted the broader vision of the initiative, which extends beyond job creation to building a comprehensive mobility ecosystem.

“This programme will create 5,000 direct and 9,500 indirect employment opportunities. Our vision includes introducing utility vehicles, garbage tippers, ambulances, fire-fighting equipment, and CNG tractors,” Saraf said.

He applauded President Tinubu’s foresight in championing CNG technology, which he credited for creating an enabling environment for transformative investments in sustainable transport.