Petroleum Marketers Pledge Monumental Donation of CNG Buses to Boost Nigeria’s Transportation System

In an unprecedented move, the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) has pledged an astounding donation of 100 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-compliant buses to bolster Nigeria’s mass transportation network. This momentous announcement comes as the association expresses its unwavering support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration and its decision to sustain the removal of petrol subsidy since its inauguration on May 29.

During a recent courtesy visit to President Tinubu at the State House in Abuja, DAPPMAN’s Chairman, Mrs. Winifred Akpani, who is also the Managing Director of Northwest Petroleum and Gas Company Limited, enthusiastically shared the association’s long-awaited commitment. She commended President Tinubu for his courageous and bold implementation of the subsidy removal, describing it as a milestone that the association had fervently anticipated.

Mrs. Akpani disclosed that the buses, estimated to be worth N10 billion, would be locally produced, providing a significant boost to employment opportunities in Nigeria. She emphasized the association’s intent to deliver functional mass transit buses capable of running on both compressed natural gas and diesel interchangeably. The initial phase of the project aims to introduce 50 to 100 buses in the near future.

The enthusiastic support from DAPPMAN received further validation from Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun state, who confirmed that each of the buses would be a 50-seater model with an estimated cost of N100 million. Governor Abiodun dispelled misconceptions about petroleum marketers’ opposition to petrol deregulation, stating that their generous donation demonstrated their alignment with the administration’s praiseworthy policy and support for deregulation.

Acknowledging the monumental donation by DAPPMAN, Governor Abiodun called upon other members of the organized private sector, such as the Bankers Committee, to follow suit and contribute to alleviating the impact of subsidy removal on Nigerians. The widespread support from industry leaders sends a resounding message of unity and resilience in advancing the nation’s progress.

The delegation accompanying Mrs. Akpani included notable figures such as AbdulWasiu Sowami, Chairman of Ardova Plc and representative of the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN); Suresh Kumar, Managing Director of NIPCO P; Dr. Gabriel Ogbechie, Group Managing Director of Rainoil Limited; and Chris Igwe, the Financial Secretary of DAPPMAN and Managing Director of Mainland Oil and Gas Limited.

As Nigeria sets its sights on a future bolstered by a robust mass transportation system, the collaborative efforts of DAPPMAN and President Tinubu’s administration mark a significant milestone in the nation’s progress. The forthcoming influx of locally produced CNG buses promises not only improved mobility for citizens but also a welcome economic stimulus through job creation and reduced reliance on foreign imports.