Switch to CNG engines, the petroleum ministry pushes MDAs

To mitigate the impact of the elimination of fuel subsidies, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources has asked Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and Nigerians in general to switch their cars over to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) engines.

At the inauguration of the Ministry’s two brand-new, cutting-edge 32-seater Coaster buses, Amb. Gabriel Aduda, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, said this on Monday in Abuja.

The purpose of buying the buses was to make business trips and employee transportation easier.

The Permanent Secretary, who represented the Federal Government, Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan, the head of the Federation’s civil service, and the ministry’s management presided over the inauguration, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

As part of the Federal Government’s commitment to the energy transition, Aduda stated that the buses’ petrol engines would be changed to CNG.

However, because of its financial benefits, the Permanent Secretary urged other MDAs to emulate the CNG programme.

In particular, in the wake of the loss of subsidies, he emphasised the government’s commitment to easing the difficulties encountered by workers.

Aduda recalled how the government provided funding to the ministry in 2022, allowing it to purchase the new buses.

The current administration, led by President Bola Tinubu, he said, has a strong commitment to the welfare of the workforce.

While giving the keys to the union leaders of the Ministry, Aduda emphasised the value of upkeep and urged them to ensure adequate maintenance for the buses’ extended service life.

In the context of the ongoing Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP), he emphasised the importance placed on personnel wellbeing.

Aduda expressed his appreciation for her outstanding human-centric leadership while calling the plan as a significant endeavour backed by the Head of the Federation’s Civil Service.

According to a statement made by Mrs. Patricia Umo, Director of General Services, the buses would act as welfare benefits designed to encourage personnel to provide quality service.

The Permanent Secretary and his management team were thanked for their forward-thinking approach by another speaker, Mr. Dipo Agboola, a union leader.

Agboola made the announcement that the buses would be converted to CNG within the next seven days, showcasing the workforce’s gratitude and commitment to duties.