Nigerians are asking the federal government to fulfil its promise of providing Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to alleviate the country’s transportation challenges.
The call comes as commuters decry the unbearable effects of increasing petrol prices on their daily expenses.
In separate interviews on Sunday in Abuja, the commuters expressed frustration over the delayed implementation of the CNG initiative, which was promised to make transport cheaper and more efficient.
The federal government had pledged to introduce CNG buses after removing fuel subsidies to ameliorate the effects of increased petrol costs on transportation.
However, the recent petrol price hike to N1,030 from N897 per litre has exacerbated the situation.
Mrs Celestina Andrew said “It feels like a broken promise, and we are suffering. We have resorted to trekking due to the high cost of transportation.”
Commuters like Fatima Isiaka, who rely on public transportation, are disappointed by the government’s inaction.
“We are citizens, not slaves in our own country. The government needs to act fast to alleviate our sufferings,” she said.
Similarly, Mr Tunde Ade, a trader, expressed displeasure at the government’s “inadequate communication” regarding the CNG bus project.
“We are left in the dark and deserve transparency. They should constantly update us on the buses’ status instead of leaving us to our thoughts.
“We expect better from the government. Soon, we will see increased inflation due to the fuel hike.
“We need immediate action from those in power because things are tough, and we cannot afford for them to worsen,” he said.
Miss Chidinma Gabriel, a laboratory technician, said, “I’ve forgotten what it feels like to have a full tank in my vehicle.
“Since this fuel saga, I cannot remember filling my car’s tank, these days, I just top up with whatever little funds I can afford.
“I’ve heard discussions about converting vehicles to CNG, but the cost is unaffordable for ordinary Nigerians.
“I pray the government makes this conversion process affordable for us, so we can find relief from this fuel increment,” she added.
An analyst, Chijioke Nwosu, said CNG buses could reduce operational costs and lower fares for passengers, while also providing a cleaner alternative to conventional fuel-powered vehicles.
(NAN)
