By Adaobi Rhema Oguejiofor
In its pursuit of alternative and clean energy, the Federal Government has begun the deployment of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered buses locally assembled by the Lanre Shittu Motors’ brand for airport shuttles.
The first batch of these CNG-powered buses was received at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos by officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), led by its Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Oluwaseun Kuku.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Management, Festus Keyamo, while speaking during the unveiling at the Lagos airport, said that the deployment was in line with the directive of President Bola Tinubu. He said it was part of Nigeria’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and meeting global climate targets.
Keyamo explained that the newly acquired CNG-powered LSM buses unveiled at the Lagos airport are eco-friendly with zero emission and designed with accessibility features for persons with disabilities.
He added that the deployment complied with the President’s goal of reducing reliance on traditional fossil fuels like petrol and diesel by promoting the sustainable use of CNG to power vehicles in the country.
The introduction of CNG to power automobiles is one of the Federal Government’s initiatives to lessen the impact of fuel subsidy removal on the masses.
According to the Managing Director of Lanre Shittu Motors, Taiwo Shittu, the CNG buses come in two specifications including a 31-seater for airport shuttle services and a 54-seater for mass transit city buses. He noted that they have been equipped with modern amenities, including air conditioning, viewing screens, and charging stations.
Shittu expressed optimism that with the introduction of the CNG buses, LSM aims to provide a more sustainable and efficient transportation solution not only to Lagos but to other parts of the country as well.
Meanwhile, Tetracore Energy has entered a partnership with Dangote Cement, a subsidiary of the Dangote Group of Companies, to supply CNG for its logistics operations.
Under the partnership, Tetracore is expected to deliver up to 400,000 standard cubic meters (SCM) of CNG to support Dangote Cement’s growing auto CNG demand. This collaboration is projected to meet the growing demand from Dangote’s logistics fleet while meeting the rising demand for autogas nationwide.
In order to ensure seamless supply, Tetracore is to deploy mobile refilling units at selected mother stations nationwide to guarantee accessibility and reliability for Dangote’s logistics operations and other users.
Tetracore’s Spokesperson and Programme Executive, Dayo Williams, explained that the collaboration underscores the organisation’s commitment towards advancing sustainable energy solutions across Nigeria.
Williams added that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s vision for energy transition and economic growth through gas utilisation and reduced