By : Ike Philip Abiagom
Efforts to reduce the rising cost of transportation in Delta State received a boost on Tuesday as the Federal Government handed over Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered buses to the Delta State Council of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
The presentation of the buses, which took place in Asaba, is part of the Federal Government’s alternative energy transport initiative designed to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal and ease the financial pressure on commuters. The programme is being implemented under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
It was learnt that five CNG-powered buses were allocated to Delta State through the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) as part of a nationwide distribution to states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, the Secretary-General of the Delta State NURTW, Comrade Chukwuemeka Okolo, disclosed that the buses would be evenly deployed across the state’s three senatorial districts to ensure widespread impact.
Okolo explained that the buses are dual-fuel vehicles, capable of running on both CNG and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), noting that the use of CNG—being significantly cheaper than petrol—would drastically cut operating costs and translate to reduced transport fares for commuters.
“This initiative is a direct response to the hardship experienced after fuel subsidy removal. Once these buses are fully deployed, commuters will feel the relief through lower transport costs,” he said.
He praised President Tinubu for introducing what he described as a practical and sustainable solution to the country’s transportation challenges, while calling on Deltans to support the ongoing economic reforms of the Federal Government.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Delta State NURTW Caretaker Committee, Comrade Patrick Okpandu, who received the buses on behalf of the union, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress for facilitating the intervention.
Okpandu assured that the buses would be used strictly for public transportation, stressing that the union would not allow any form of diversion for private or non-approved purposes.
“These buses are meant for the people, and we are committed to ensuring they are properly deployed to reduce transportation challenges and ease the burden on commuters across Delta State,” he stated.
Other union leaders present at the event, including Comrade Dennis Araro, a member of the national trustees, alongside Comrades Orji Ossai, Igbine Odomero, Ovo Abeke, and Peter Ojevwue, commended the Federal Government for the initiative. They also applauded the recognition of the current NURTW leadership in Delta State as the legitimate body.
The leaders expressed optimism that Delta State would receive additional CNG buses in subsequent phases of the programme.
The CNG bus initiative forms part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to promote cleaner, cheaper, and sustainable energy solutions in the transport sector, reduce dependence on petrol, and provide long-term relief for commuters across the country.