New CNG buses cut transport costs by 30% nationwide

The Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) says its partnership with the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PiCNG) has helped reduce transport costs and improve services.

Speaking at NARTO’s 2026 Annual General Meeting in Abuja, National President Alhaji Yusuf Lawal Othman said the association has added new buses to its fleet thanks to the partnership. These include:

20 units of 14-seater CNG/Petrol buses

5 units of 56-seater hybrid CNG/Diesel buses

3 units of 46-seater CNG/Diesel buses

The buses are now being used for both interstate and city shuttle services, helping make transportation safer, cleaner, and cheaper—cutting costs by more than 30%. Othman added that PiCNG promised to provide more buses soon.

He said the AGM is an opportunity for NARTO to review the past year, discuss challenges, and plan for the future. Othman praised President Bola Tinubu for supporting the transport sector and improving roads across Nigeria.

Othman also thanked the Dangote Group for investing in Nigeria, building the world’s largest single refinery, and importing about 4,000 trucks to support petroleum distribution. He said this will increase local refining, improve fuel supply, and create jobs.

NARTO also works closely with government agencies like the police, DSS, NDLEA, and Federal Road Safety Corps to improve road safety. The association is finalizing plans for pilot programs to strengthen security on highways.

Othman noted NARTO’s strong cooperation with other transport and labor groups and announced an agreement with Lagos State Government to fund and acquire new trucks. This will help members replace old vehicles and improve efficiency.

Despite progress, challenges remain, such as declining income from oil marketers refusing to raise freight rates, old buses, limited financing, poor roads, insecurity, and harassment of drivers. NARTO urges faster completion of ongoing road projects, especially before the rainy season.

Othman also expressed concern about road accidents, especially tanker explosions, and called for more public awareness about the dangers of fuel scooping.

He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to improving the welfare of NARTO members, securing more buses, and pushing for better funding and fair freight rates to ensure sustainable transport operations nationwide.