The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Wednesday took delivery of three Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered buses donated by the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGI).
The buses were donated to NAF’s engineering and technical subsidiary, Aeronautical Engineering and Technical Services Limited (AETSL).
The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, while receiving the buses in Abuja, said the gesture was a demonstration of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to sustainable, affordable and cleaner energy alternatives for Nigerians.
Abubakar noted that the initiative aligned with the Federal Government’s energy transition plan, adding that the shift from petrol to CNG would reduce transportation costs, lower carbon emissions and cut down on vehicle maintenance.
”For us in the Nigerian Air Force, this development is of strategic importance. Transportation is critical to our operational effectiveness and the welfare of our personnel.
”We look forward to deepening this partnership in areas such as training of technicians, engine conversion, installation, care and maintenance of CNG facilities,” the CAS said.
The CAS reaffirmed the Air Force’s commitment to supporting national initiatives that promote innovation, sustainability and efficiency.
Earlier, the Executive Chairman of PCNGI, Mr Ismael Ahmed, said the donation was part of efforts to entrench the use of CNG and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on fossil fuels.
Ahmed said that Nigeria, with over 200 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves, should be seen more as a gas country than an oil country.
He urged the NAF to ensure that all new vehicles in its fleet going forward were either CNG-powered or electric, stressing that the future of transportation depended on clean energy alternatives.
”This is not just about vehicles, but about a commitment to a safer, cleaner and more innovative Nigeria,” he said.
Similarly, the Managing Director of AETSL, AVM Nnaemeka Ilo, said the buses would boost mobility and operational capacity across Air Force bases nationwide.
He thanked the President, the PCNGI and the Chief of Air Staff for their foresight, while requesting additional buses to extend the benefits of the initiative to more units.
He said AETSL remained committed to supporting NAF operations while embracing innovation and contributing to national development.
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