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FG Hands Over 64 CNG Buses To Labour Unions,NANS

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The Federal Government has handed over 64 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to representatives of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).

When deployed for commuter service, the buses will significantly reduce transportation costs in the country, bringing hope for a more affordable and efficient public transport system.

The handover of the buses took place on Sunday at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary.

The Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, led the government delegation that included the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, and the Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande.

Edun described the distribution of the buses as fulfilling President Bola Tinubu’s promise to provide affordable and efficient transportation to support Nigerians after the removal of fuel subsidies under the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PCNGi).

He emphasised that this initiative aims to alleviate the burden on the poor and vulnerable and support macroeconomic reforms that would position the country on the path to economic stability.

The Minister further explained that the symbolic handover of 64 buses on the eve of Nigeria’s National Day marks the beginning of a broader national rollout, with the plan to distribute over 500 CNG buses and 100 electric vehicles in the first instance.

He added that the CNG initiative aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to cleaner energy while leveraging its energy resources for industrialisation.

”Today marks another critical milestone in the policies of President Tinubu. It is a transition to cleaner fuel. It is for Nigerians. The emphasis is on mass transit. The minister said there is an emphasis on intervening on the side of workers so that they have cheaper transport to cope with rising prices.

He also highlighted the CNG initiative’s impact on inflation, saying:

”We’ve had an initial spike in inflation, now it has peaked, and it is coming down. Mr President and the whole team are determined to ensure that we keep inflation coming down, and this is one of the major ways.”

The Coordinating Minister of the Economy noted that the fuel cost for CNG-powered vehicles is about one-third of the fuel for petrol-powered vehicles.

He said motorists can now pay as low as N15,000 to fill a tank instead of N50,000 or more.

”Today, it is CNG. Tomorrow, it will be helping farmers to cope with the remainder of the wet season planting and then the dry season planting, starting from November, with fertiliser, inputs, seeds, and herbicides.

”This is all to get prices down and get the economy moving again, ” he said.

The Secretary-General and Chief Executive of TUC, Comrade Nuhu Toro; NANS president, Comrade Lucky Emonefe; and the Head of International Desk, NLC, Comrade Uche Ekwe, commended President Tinubu for the gesture. They called for more CNG buses to be made available to the public.

Toro thanked the President for implementing the N70,000 new national minimum wage.

”This move is a significant step in alleviating the economic burden of Nigerian workers.

NANS president Comrade Emonefe praised the government for its commitment to education and student welfare, citing the provision of a student loan scheme for higher education.

“Nigerian students are happy to be celebrating the 64th anniversary of independence. We are not only happy with the CNG buses; we believe that the current President loves the welfare of students and has shown his commitment to this.

The NLC representative noted that the benefits of the CNG buses would become more apparent once more buses are deployed across the country.

”If we get more buses, the effect will translate immediately to Nigerians. If people start entering these buses, they will publicise it in the public and their neighbourhood,” he said.

Michael Oluwagbemi, Programme Director/Chief Executive of PCNGi, said that since its establishment one year ago, over 125 conversion centres have been established, compared to the initial seven.

He said investment in the sector has exceeded $175 million, with 12 new mother stations commissioned and 75 more under construction.

Technician training is being ramped up, with 40 new technicians trained weekly. Over 34,000 conversion kits have been ordered, with more than half already distributed.

He said vehicle conversions are taking place at 53 centres in eight states.

In a statement by special adviser to the President on information strategy Bayo Onanuga said the centres would be expanded to all the 36 states and the FCT.

 

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Galadiman Kano Alhaji Abbas Sanusi Dies At 92

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The most senior councillor and oldest member of Kano Emirate Council, Abbas Sanusi, has died aged 92.

The late prince, who held the most senior title of Galadiman Kano, died on April 1 in Kano after a protracted illness.

Abbas Sanusi, who had been a member of the Kano Emirate Council since the late 50s, was first appointed as Sarkin Dawakin Tsakar Gida and the district head of Ungogo by his father, Emir Sanusi I, in 1959.

He became Dan Iyan Kano in 1962 during the reign of Emir Muhammadu Inuwa, and later during the reign of Emir Ado Bayero, became the Wambai of Kano.

He was elevated to the most senior title of Galadiman Kano during the first reign of his nephew, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II.

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Born in 1933 in Bichi, the late royal started his education at the Kofar Kudu Elementary School in 1944 and later attended the Kano Middle School (Rumfa College today) in 1948.

Among his children is Abdullahi Abbas, the present chairman of the Kano chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

His funeral prayer will hold at Emir’s Palace, Kofar Kudu, Kano at 10am on Wednesday.

Daily Nigerian

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BREAKING: President Tinubu has sacked NNPCL GCEO Mele Kyari

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President Tinubu has also sacked all board members who were appointed alongside Akinyelure and Kyari in November 2023.

Adedapo Segun, who took over the role of chief financial officer from Umaru Isa Ajiya last November, has been named to the new board by President Tinubu.

Six board members, non-executive directors, represent the country’s geopolitical zones. They are Bello Rabiu, North West, Yusuf Usman, North East, and Babs Omotowa, a former managing director of the Nigerian Liquified Natural Gas( NLNG), who represents North Central.

President Tinubu appointed Austin Avuru as a non-executive director from the South-South, David Ige as a Non-executive director from the South West, and Henry Obih as a non-executive director from the South East.

Mrs Lydia Shehu Jafiya, permanent secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, will represent the ministry on the new board, while Aminu Said Ahmed will represent the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.

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Groups Condemn Fake News, Urge Peace After Uromi Killings.

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The Northern Youth Assembly and Inter-Tribe Community Support Forum has said there have been no recorded instances of reprisal attacks following Uromi gruesome Killings the incident.

On Tuesday, at a joint press conference at the Kano NUJ press centre, Comr. Suleiman Idris, Chairman of the Northern Youth Assembly, and Nworisa Michael, Coordinator of the Inter-Tribe Community Support Forum, spoke to journalists about fake news and misinformation surrounding the Uromi killings,  providing clarification on the situation involving Mr. Peter Chukwudi Nwanosike.

They stated that reports claiming Mr. Nwanosike died from a stabbing were false, clarifying that Mr. Nwanosike collapsed and passed on while fleeing from the attackers.

” Mr. Nwanosike was assaulted by phone snatchers (commonly referred to as ‘yan kwacen waya’) on Sunday, March 30, 2025, alongside several other victims.”

The Groups strongly condemned the spread of fake news and false information, which according to them, only serves to heighten tensions, fuel division, and disrupt the peace.

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The two groups similarly called on all members of the public, including the media, to disregard and refrain from sharing unfounded claims and unverified reports.

The Northern Youth and commended, and Interkk Fred Edozele Akhigbe (JP), Enogie II Sarkin Edo, in Kano State, for his swift condemnation of the recent incident of jungle justice in Edo.

They further expressed gratitude to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his decisive actions in addressing this crisis and his formation of a high-powered committee to look into the matter.

They acknowledged the recent sympathy visit by Edo State Governor, H.E. Monday Okphebolo.

They urged all relevant authorities to take decisive and effective action to prevent further violence and safeguard the lives and well-being of all citizens.

“We strongly urge all relevant authorities to take decisive and effective action to prevent further violence and safeguard the lives and well-being of all citizens, irrespective of their tribe, background, or nationality. We must remain united in our commitment to ensuring peace and security in our communities.”

The Groups furher  expressed gratitude to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his decisive actions in addressing this crisis. His formation of a high-powered committee to look into the matter and his continued commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Kano State are highly appreciated. “We also acknowledge the recent sympathy visit by Edo State Governor, H.E. Monday Okphebolo, which further demonstrates the spirit of solidarity between states.”

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