In a move to boost the transportation sector, the Federal Government has received 70 hybrid Jet Mover buses from Jet Motor Company, a local automobile manufacturer. The development was confirmed in a statement to NewsNow on Monday.
These buses, which run on compressed natural gas and premium motor spirit, aim to offer affordable and comfortable transportation options for Nigerian citizens.
The official handover ceremony, which took place at Jet Motor Company’s facility in Ajah, Lagos State, saw the presence of officials from the Ministry of Finance and representatives from the Presidential Initiative for Compressed Natural Gas.
Dimas Hamidu, the Technical Assistant to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, praised the high quality of the vehicles and commended the company for its outstanding work.
He lauded the hybrid vehicles as a testament to President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s dedication to mitigating the challenges arising from the removal of fuel subsidies.
Hamidu emphasized that these vehicles will significantly contribute to addressing the transportation needs of the populace and help offset the economic impact of escalating costs.
Expressing satisfaction with the delivery, Hamidu stated, “I visited earlier with the Minister of Finance, and after touring the facility, including seeing the minister drive one of the vehicles, we were thoroughly impressed.”
He further highlighted that various companies had been contracted by the Federal Government to supply different quantities of CNG vehicles to meet demand.
“Concerns were raised by Nigerians about the lack of these vehicles on the roads, prompting the Ministry of Finance to inspect the factories to assess delivery timelines. We appreciate Jet Motor for adhering to the contract terms with vehicles meeting specifications,” Hamidu added.
He concluded, “We anticipate being called back soon for the receipt of more units to support the government’s efforts in addressing transport challenges across the country.”
Derek Ewelukwa, the Managing Director of Jet Motor Company, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to providing an efficient and comfortable transport solution for the populace.
Detailing the features of the hybrid vehicles, Ewelukwa mentioned the dual CNG tanks with a total gas capacity of 220 litres capable of covering 300 kilometers, along with an 80-litre petrol tank.
He noted that the CNG tanks have a lifespan of 15 years and highlighted the seamless transition of the engine between gas and petrol modes.