The Ministry of Petroleum Resources has urged ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) as well as all Nigerians to consider converting their vehicles’ engines to compressed natural gas (CNG) engines as a response to the removal of fuel subsidies.
The permanent secretary of the ministry, Ambassador Gabriel Aduda conveyed this message on Monday in Abuja during the inauguration of two state-of-the-art 32-seater ‘coaster’ buses.
These newly acquired buses are intended to facilitate convenient staff commuting and official engagements. The inauguration was presided over by the permanent secretary, representing the Federal Government, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan and the ministry’s management.
Aduda disclosed that the gasoline engines of these buses would be converted to CNG engines in alignment with the Federal Government’s commitment to the energy transition. He also encouraged other MDAs to embrace the CNG initiative due to its economic benefits.
Aduda emphasised the government’s commitment to addressing challenges faced by workers, especially in the aftermath of fuel subsidy removal. He recalled that the ministry received assistance from the government in 2022, which enabled the acquisition of these new buses.
He further highlighted the current administration’s dedication to staff welfare under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu. Aduda stressed the importance of maintaining the buses and handed over the keys to the union executives of the ministry. He urged them to ensure proper upkeep of the buses for extended service life.
Within the context of the ongoing Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP), Aduda emphasised the significance of prioritising staff well-being. He commended the exemplary human-centric leadership of Yemi-Esan for her support of this plan.
The director of general services, Mrs. Patricia Umo explained that the buses are intended as welfare provisions to motivate employees in delivering effective service. A union representative, Mr. Dipo Agboola also expressed gratitude to the permanent secretary and the management team for their forward-thinking initiative.
Agboola announced that the conversion of the buses to CNG engines would be completed within the next seven days. This demonstrates the workforce’s appreciation and commitment to their responsibilities. The ministry’s move to adopt CNG engines reflects a larger national effort to explore alternative energy sources and mitigate the impacts of fuel subsidy removal. (NAN)
