By DAMILARE ADELEYE
President Bola Tinubu has directed the mandatory procurement of compressed-natural-gas-powered vehicles by all government ministries, departments, and agencies.
This was as the President rejected memos brought by members of Federal Executive Council seeking the purchase of traditional petrol-dependent vehicles.
President Tinubu tasked the affected members of the council to go back and diligently seek value-driven procurements of CNG-compliant vehicles.
In a statement made available on Monday by Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s spokesperson, said the directive was in line with Tinubu’s commitment to ensure energy security, drive utility, and cut high fuel costs.
“The President’s directive is also in furtherance of Nigeria’s effort to transition to cleaner energy as CNG-enabled vehicles have been adjudged to produce lower emissions, even as they present a more affordable alternative for Nigerian energy consumers,” he said.
While addressing members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at the State House on Monday, President Tinubu affirmed that there is no turning back in the energy reforms initiated by his administration.
“This nation will not progress forward if we continue to dance on the same spot. We have the will to drive the implementation of CNG adoption across the country, and we must set the example as public officials in leading the way to that prosperous future that we are working to achieve for our people. It starts with us, and in seeing that we are serious, Nigerians will follow our lead,” the President was quoted as saying.
“The President further directed the rejection of all memos brought by members of FEC seeking the purchase of traditional petrol-dependent vehicles, tasking the affected members of the council to go back and diligently seek value-driven procurements of CNG-compliant vehicles.
“The President remains committed to effectively harnessing the nation’s gas potential, alleviating the burden of high transportation costs on the masses while enhancing the standard of living of all Nigerians,” Ngelale added.