News

FG Rolls Out Sixty-Four CNG Buses To Mark Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary

Published

2 years ago

September 29, 2024

Joel Ajayi

As part of the celebrations for Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary, the Federal Government today unveiled 64 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, underscoring its commitment to providing affordable and environmentally friendly transportation for Nigerians.

The unveiling ceremony, held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja was led by the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun. In attendance were other high-ranking officials, including the Honourable

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu; the Honourable

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Mohammed Idris Malagi; and the Honourable Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande Wisdom.

This launch marks the first phase of a broader initiative that will see the distribution of over 500 CNG and 100 electric buses to labour and student unions aimed at enhancing public transport nationwide.

In his remarks, the Honourable Minister emphasized that this initiative fulfils President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s promise to support Nigeria’s most vulnerable citizens in the wake of necessary macroeconomic reforms.

The unveiling of these 64 buses is a symbolic gesture in honour of our nation’s 64th Independence Anniversary, but it represents just the beginning. Hundreds more buses are on order, with deliveries continuing, HM Edun stated.

He added that the move is a crucial part of our strategy to transition to cleaner, more affordable energy for Nigerians, particularly in the mass transit sector.

The Minister explained that the adoption of CNG reflects a shift towards more cost-effective and environmentally friendly fuel options. He noted that CNG-powered vehicles significantly reduce fuelling costs, offering up to a 70% savings compared to petrol-powered vehicles.

A CNG vehicle costs about one-third of what it takes to fuel a petrol vehicle. Instead of spending 50,000 Naira to fill a tank, Nigerians will pay around 15,000 Naira with CNG. This is a substantial step towards lowering the cost of living, curbing inflation, and improving the quality of life for Nigerians, the Minister said.

The rollout of CNG buses not only supports more affordable public transportation but also marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to address climate change, promote cleaner energy, and drive sustainable economic growth.

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Foreign news

Algeria’s Glorious Revolution: Embassy Marks 72nd Anniversary in Abuja

Published

2 days ago

November 12, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Embassy of Algeria in Nigeria has commemorated the 72nd anniversary of the country’s Glorious Revolution of November 1, 1954, with a reception in Abuja, highlighting Algeria’s liberation struggle and strengthening diplomatic relations with Nigeria.

The event, held on November 9, 2026, at Continental Suites Hotel, attracted prominent personalities, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas, members of the Federal Government, senior government officials, heads of diplomatic missions and other friends of Algeria.

Speaking at the reception, Algeria’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Hocine Mezoued, welcomed guests and paid tribute to the country’s freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives during the struggle for independence.

He described the November 1, 1954 revolution as the foundation of modern Algeria, noting that the sacrifices of the nation’s martyrs made it possible for the country to reclaim its sovereignty.

On Algeria’s development agenda, Mezoued said President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s administration had continued to pursue economic reforms, diversification and national development under its New Algeria vision.

He noted that the country was recording progress in non-hydrocarbon exports, while improvements in the business environment had boosted investor confidence and attracted significant foreign investments.

On foreign policy, the ambassador reaffirmed Algeria’s commitment to non-interference, respect for national sovereignty, peaceful conflict resolution and the right of peoples to self-determination.

Addressing security challenges in the Sahel, he stressed that lasting peace could not be achieved through military measures alone, insisting that economic development, inclusive dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes remained essential.

Turning to Nigeria-Algeria relations, Mezoued described the partnership as one founded on shared values and the commitment of both countries’ leaders to advancing African development.

He identified the Trans-Saharan Highway, Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and Trans-Saharan Fibre Optic Backbone as major strategic projects receiving attention from both countries.

The ambassador also disclosed that Algeria had continued to provide scholarships to Nigerian students to strengthen human capital development and capacity building.

He further announced that Air Algérie expanded its Nigerian operations on October 26, 2026, with the introduction of two weekly flights to Lagos, expressing confidence that the service would boost trade and tourism.

Looking ahead, Mezoued said 2027 would offer fresh opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation, particularly through the fifth Joint High Bi-National Commission scheduled to hold in Abuja.

He expressed optimism that the meeting would provide an opportunity to assess existing partnerships, identify new areas of cooperation and move Nigeria-Algeria relations towards a more practical and results-driven phase.

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