To enhance efficiency of the Nigerian Army operations in the wake of improving the livelihood of the citizens, the Federal Government through Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) has handed over five brand-new CNG-powered buses to ⁰the Nigerian Army—an institution that represents discipline, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to our national security.
At the handing over ceremony which took place at the Army Headquarters in Abuja, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede, ably represented by Chief of Administration (Army), Major General Lawrence Fejokwu said these new CNG-powered buses will also provide opportunity to reduce NA operational carbon footprint in line with international best practises.
The COAS said it is equally in consonance with the federal government's commitment to a cleaner, greener economy, and sustainable energy drive.
"Let me, at this juncture, on behalf of the officers and men of the Nigerian Army, express a most profound gratitude to the federal government of Nigeria for this laudable initiative. It will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark of progress on the Nigerian people and the Nigerian army.
He noted that donating these new CNG-powered buses is yet another step towards a responsible employment of our nation's natural resources in innovation, energy efficiency, and sustainable development in NA logistics capabilities.
"The importance of a reliable and cost-effective transportation potential for a modern army can be better appreciated through a strategic viewpoint and the need to apply prudence in the management of our resources.
"These CNG buses will be deployed across key formations and units to support troops movement, administrative operations, and other essential mobility requirements.
He thanked the Minister for Transportation and all relevant stakeholders who have played a vital role in making this programme a reality, noting that the integration of the CNG buses into our transport fleet will be a strategic enabler that will not only enhance the welfare of our troops but also improve the efficiency of our logistics system.
He reiterated that the Nigerian army remains committed to accommodating and adopting innovative solutions derived from our local research and development processes.
Nevertheless, while conducting our operations, we are also mindful of the need to protect our environment. To this end, I assure you that the Nigerian army will ensure the effective utilisation, maintenance, and integration of these assets into our military transportation infrastructure.
In his remarks, the Programme Director /Chief Execuitive of Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI), Michael Olugbemi stressed that this gesture is not only a show of appreciation for the Nigerian Army’s dedication to the peace and stability of Nigeria, but also a critical component of the Federal Government’s broader push for energy security and sustainability under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Olugbemi noted that today’s donation marks a furtherance of a robust and strategic partnership between PCNGI and the Nigerian Army.
He therefore announced a comprehensive support package that includes: Free CNG conversion incentives for Army personnel vehicles, which includes the supply of free kits to Army Conversion Center and full participation of those centers in our Conversion Incentive Program to ensure 5,000 Army Personnel get their vehicles converted to CNG in the coming months.
"Dedicated daughter station allocation to serve military formations, and Capacity development programs to empower our soldiers and their families with technical skills and economic opportunities in the emerging green economy. Among others." he said
Olugbemi pointed out that by embracing CNG, we are not only cutting down the cost of operations but also taking bold steps towards reducing carbon emissions, improving public health, and building a resilient and energy-diverse transportation ecosystem.
He noted that the Nigerian Army is known for always being ahead in innovation and logistics. "We are certain that this initial cooperation and cost savings inherent will be ploughed by the Army to do more to enhance this cooperation.
"Your leadership in adopting CNG sends a strong signal to other institutions and citizens that our journey to a cleaner, safer, and more cost-effective energy future is a patriotic duty." he added
Stating the fact, the PCNGI Programme Director /Chief Execuitive of Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative revealed that "Nigeria is a gas country that happens to have some oil. It has 208 TCF of gas in 30 of 36 states, but flares almost a billion cubic feet a day while injecting 3 billion into wells and exports 3 billion to develop other places.
"Only 1.2-1.3 billion cubic feet of gas is utilized domestically with barely any going into transport which will change form today as we dedicate ourselves to this mission through PCNGI and the Army. Natural Gas has four primary traditional uses- for power, for cooking & heating, for gas based industry including making of fertilizers and urea to improve our food security and for transport which is our business today."
The hightlight of the epoch event is the official handing over ceremony of over five brand-new CNG-powered buses to the Chief of Army Staff and his principal staff Officers and a test-run of the CNG buses.