A promise unfulfilled: The CNG bus conundrum, by Peter ameh

My fellow countrymen

On May 29, 2023, President Tinubu’s administration made a promise to Nigerians – to provide Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses as a remedy for the effects of fuel subsidy removal on vulnerable and poor Nigerians. This promise was meant to cushion the impact of the policy on the most susceptible members of our society. However, as the days turn into weeks, and the weeks into months, the promise remains unfulfilled.

The question on every Nigerian’s mind is, “Where are the CNG buses?” Was this promise just a mere political gimmick, a voodoo economic policy designed to pacify the masses without any concrete plan for implementation? It appears that the government has put the cart before the horse, or rather, roofed the house without laying the foundation.

Nigerians deserve better than empty promises and half-baked policies. We deserve well-thought-out and planned economic policies that address our needs and concerns. The removal of fuel subsidy was meant to be a bold step towards economic reform, but the failure to plan well made the decision an economic nightmare for majority of the masses. The failure to provide the promised CNG buses has rendered the policy ineffective and insensitive to the plight of the poor.

The CNG bus initiative was meant to be a palliative measure to ease the burden of transportation costs on Nigerians due to impulsive policy initiatives by the government of Bola Ahmed Tinubu. However, the delay in implementing this policy has left many wondering if the government is truly committed to the welfare of its citizens.

Mr. President, we ask again, “Where are the CNG buses you promised us on May 29, 2023?” We urge you to fulfill your promise and provide the necessary support to Nigerians who are struggling to make ends meet. We deserve a government that is responsive to our needs and transparent in its dealings.

The CNG bus debacle is a classic example of policy failure and broken promises. We hope that the government will learn from this experience and strive to do better in the future. Nigerians are waiting, Mr. President.