Starrays
By Benedict Iorgyer & Zack Tsebee
The Presidential CNG Initiative (P-CNGI) yesterday mounted the streets of Abuja to kick off the operation of over 200 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) tricycles donated by the Tinubu-led Administration to further cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal and mark 2025 Democracy Day celebration.
Represented by its Deployment and Recovery Officer, Mr. Nuhu Christopher, P-CNGI was accompanied by the National Chairman of Tricycles Riders Association, Alhaji Ahmed Muhammad Sani Hassan and the FCT Chapter Chairman of the association, Comr. Bala Haruna Funtua. From the city centre, the fleet of tricycles rode through the famous Eagles Square to Transcorp Hilton, Wuse II, Wuse market, Berger and Life Camp among other areas within the Abuja metropolis where they carried passengers free of charge to their destinations.
While the passengers expressed joy for the gesture, passersby and commuters stood in awe of the fleet of CNG tricycles, which colourfully plied the streets of the FCT for the first time.
Addressing journalists who monitored the operation, Mr. Nuhu observed that,
“This initiative is from His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. As a result of the removal of fuel subsidy, he saw the need to provide an alternative energy that will cut down the cost of transportation hence our agency was established.
“In order to promote and foster the initiative, the president has decided to empower Nigerian youths with CNG tricycles for greener and sustainable energy, and to ensure cheaper transportation.
“By this, the administration will be able to cut down the cost of transportation, the price of food and the cost of rent. About 200 youths have been empowered with these tricycles. This programme is not just for Abuja; it is a nation-wide project. The tricycles have been deployed to Kwara, Lagos and Kogi States.
“In the next two to three weeks, we are expanding the deployment to states that have CNG like Adamawa, Kaduna, Delta, and so many others”.
Speaking about the symbolism of Democracy Day Celebration in Nigeria, Mr. Nuhu noted that,
“Democracy is government of the people for the people and by the people. This is another way the President has used to give back to Nigerians.
“As we celebrate this day, it is also an avenue to be conscious of who you are to become a patriotic Nigerian. We should not speak ill about our nation because this country is our fatherland. You can’t expect anything good from a nation you speak ill of, so I believe that as we all celebrate this Democracy Day, it will awaken our consciousness to be true Nigerians,” he stressed.
Speaking about the event, the National Chairman of NACTOMORAS, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed noted that,
“We are celebrating the 200 units of CNG tricycles given to us by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the FCT. It is going round to the entire states of the federation, beginning with the FCT. The great number given to us of 200 units is what we are celebrating. We are picking the passengers free today, no collection of payment to show our appreciation to Almighty Allah and to make the passengers to feel the impact of the keke given to us [by the President]. There is going to be 30% discount in our operation”, he noted.
Earlier, the FCT Chairman of NACTOMORAS, Comr. Bala Haruna expressed his profound appreciation to the President and P-CNGi for the initiative, saying it was a laudable gesture aimed at bringing the government closer to the grassroots.
“I wish to extend my appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his initiative, P-CNGi for giving us such opportunity. This is the first time grassroots like ordinary keke NAPEP riders are given such support from the Federal Government. We really appreciate the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu”. Speaking about the different routes the tricycles will be plying in Abuja, the chairman of NACTOMORAS, FCT Chapter note that,
“We have 200 pieces, which will be plying Kubwa, Ushafa, Galadima, Kabusa, Gudu, Jabi, Life Camp among others”.Comr. Haruna noted further that the keke are donated to their members directly and not to the association thereby reducing the cost of purchase and empowering the youth who are sure of becoming keke owners within a period of one year. Thus, in return, they have promised P-CNGI to cut down the cost of transportation by 30%.
“The keke are donated to our members directly. It is not free of charge but P-CNGI have reduced the price for our members as higher purchase, so it is easier for our members to have their keke within a period of one year. Thus, we promised the Federal Government that we are going to reduce the cost of transportation by 30%. For instance, where normal carries passenger at the rate of N100, our own P-CNGI will carry at N70,” Haruna stressed.
