The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has criticized the Federal Government for not meeting its commitment to help transporters convert their buses to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) following the removal of the petrol subsidy.
NURTW spokesperson Segun Falade revealed to The PUNCH that while the government initially promised to provide 1,000 CNG buses, the number was deemed insufficient.
Consequently, the NURTW advocated for an increase to 10,000 buses, resulting in the order of 5,000 buses by transporters themselves.
Falade noted that although 5,000 buses are now available, many remain at conversion facilities, awaiting further processing.
He expressed frustration over delays, attributing them to unforeseen issues and ongoing protests.
President Bola Tinubu’s announcement on May 29, 2023, ending the petrol subsidy led to a significant rise in fuel prices, from N238.11 per litre to N750.
In response, the Presidential CNG Initiative was introduced in October 2023, aiming to deploy 5,500 CNG buses and tricycles, 100 electric buses, and over 20,000 CNG conversion kits.
Despite plans for an initial rollout by May 29, 2024, the delivery has faced delays.
The government had earlier promised to launch around 2,700 CNG-powered vehicles by this date.
The NURTW is awaiting full activation and distribution of these assets, emphasizing the need for prompt action amid ongoing public discontent.
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