Nigeria Acquires 70 Hybrid Buses to Bolster National Transport Infrastructure

The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially taken delivery of 70 hybrid Jet Mover buses, a significant move aimed at improving the nation’s transportation infrastructure. This development, announced by Nigerian automobile manufacturer Jet Motor Company on Monday, marks a pivotal step in the government’s efforts to provide more affordable and sustainable transport solutions for its citizens.

These state-of-the-art buses, which operate on a combination of compressed natural gas (CNG) and premium motor spirit (PMS), are expected to offer Nigerians a more comfortable and cost-effective mode of transportation. The handover ceremony took place at Jet Motor Company’s production plant in Ajah, Lagos State, and was attended by officials from the Ministry of Finance and representatives of the Presidential Initiative for Compressed Natural Gas.

Dimas Hamidu, Technical Assistant to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, lauded the quality of the vehicles and praised Jet Motor Company for its commitment to excellence. He emphasized that the introduction of these hybrid buses underscores President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s dedication to mitigating the economic hardships following the removal of fuel subsidies.

“These hybrid vehicles are not just a testament to the government’s commitment to easing the burden of subsidy removal but also a practical solution to the country’s pressing transportation needs,” Hamidu remarked. “This initiative will significantly help to cushion the impact of rising costs on the economy and improve the daily lives of Nigerians.”

Reflecting on the importance of the project, Hamidu noted that the Federal Government has awarded contracts for the delivery of CNG vehicles to several companies, each tasked with delivering a specified number of units. He acknowledged the growing impatience among Nigerians eager to see these vehicles in operation and assured that the Ministry of Finance had actively monitored the progress.

“Nigerians have been waiting to see these vehicles on the roads, and that’s why we decided to visit the factories and assess their readiness. We are thoroughly impressed with Jet Motor Company’s adherence to the contract terms, and the vehicles meet all specifications,” he added.

The Managing Director of Jet Motor Company, Derek Ewelukwa, expressed gratitude for the government’s support and reiterated the company’s commitment to providing an efficient and comfortable transport model for Nigerians. He detailed the technical specifications of the hybrid vehicles, noting that each bus is equipped with two CNG tanks, holding a combined capacity of 220 litres, capable of covering a distance of 300 kilometres, and an 80-litre petrol tank.

Ewelukwa also highlighted the durability and efficiency of the buses, explaining that the CNG tanks have a lifespan of 15 years, and the engine seamlessly switches between gas and petrol as needed.

As Nigeria grapples with the economic challenges brought on by subsidy removal, this fleet of hybrid buses represents a hopeful stride towards alleviating transportation difficulties and reducing the financial strain on its citizens.