Nigeria: Buses fuelled by natural gas launched in Abuja
Thirty locally produced hybrid Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered buses have been inaugurated in Abuja, Nigeria. The buses were manufactured by Innoson Motors and can carry up to 100 passengers each.?
They are all fitted with an 8.3L Cummins Engine EQC300, a bi-fuel engine that can run on both diesel and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).?
The company said the feature gives the bus the advantage of cleaner emissions, lower fuel costs, and extended engine life.
The buses were donated to the federal government by the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). At the handing-over ceremony in Abuja this week, President Bola Tinubu said using natural gas to power the nation’s transportation industry would reduce transportation costs and enhance productivity.
He said it would also save the nation trillions of naira spent on importing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
”If we can enhance our energy competitiveness and bring about transformative changes like this, we would definitely be able to achieve the prosperity that we are working hard to accomplish for our people.
”These CNG buses are promising and will enhance our transportation system,” the President said.
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered buses can offset reliance on petrol
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu noted that commercial vehicles account for about 80% of the nation’s petroleum demand.
He cited examples of several countries that have switched to CNG for their transportation systems and are already reaping the benefits.
”Countries like India have mandated CNG for all commercial vehicles since 2004. In Nigeria, commercial vehicles make up about 80% of our petroleum demand, costing us trillions of naira every month.
”The solution is here. We have it. We will work on it.”
DAPPMAN Chairperson Dame Winifred Akpani said: “This batch of hybrid buses, which DAPPMAN is donating to the federal government, is in furtherance to our support for this administration’s resolve to address Nigeria’s energy challenges.
”We are proud to note that these buses have been designed, manufactured, and delivered by Innoson Motors, a Nigerian company.”
Electric buses for a greener transport system in Nigeria
At COP28 in Dubai last year, President Tinubu announced that Nigeria would roll out 100 electric buses as part of its plan to reduce carbon emissions through modernising transportation infrastructure.?
But electric buses, like the EV market, are still in their infancy in Nigeria.
According to a report published by the Africa E-Mobility Alliance last year, Nigeria has at least 348?electric vehicles?out of 18 million registered vehicles on its roads.
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Using International Energy Association projections, the Alliance says that by 2030 there will be an estimated 1.3 million EVs on Nigeria’s roads. ?
For example, a set of electric buses was introduced in Lagos last year.?
Africa’s most populous city is trying to cut down carbon emissions through a greener public transport system.
Have you read? Lagos launches first phase of sustainable transport plan
Abel Tella, the Association of Power Utilities of Africa (APUA-ASEA) Director-General, shares his insights into achieving net zero emissions and a Just Energy Transition across the continent
FAQs on the EV sector in Nigeria?
What is the EV policy in Nigeria?
Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan?(ETP) targets 10% biofuel blends by 2030 and complete EV adoption by 2060.
What are the challenges facing electric vehicle adoption in Nigeria?
A scarcity of charging infrastructure, a heavy reliance on fossil fuels, affordability issues, and unequal access to energy, says ScienceDirect.
Are there electric vehicles in Nigeria?
Nigeria has at least 348 EVs on its roads.
What is the first electric car assembled in Nigeria?
The Hyundai Kona.
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