🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Delta State to acquire 50 CNG buses for new mass transit system
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The Delta State Government announced it will receive 50 Compressed Natural Gas CNG buses within the next four to five months to establish a mass transit system. Mr. Onoriode Agofure, the Commissioner for Transport, stated that the procurement process has begun following Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s approval. These buses aim to provide cheaper, safer, and more comfortable transportation for residents on inter-city routes and within the Asaba metropolis. The government has identified operational routes and considers this an initial phase, with plans for more buses if successful. Modern bus terminals are under construction in Asaba and Warri to support the scheme, and legal frameworks are being developed for sustainability. The initiative is expected to create jobs and boost economic activities, with future plans to extend services to riverine areas. Engr. Vincent Ehiwario, Director of Vehicle Inspection Services, commended the Governor and Commissioner for transport sector reforms, including automated inspections and road safety campaigns.
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Tajudeen Abbas, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, stated that the Nigerian government cannot independently resolve the nation's social and economic issues. He emphasized the importance of stronger collaborations with faith-based organizations, the private sector, and civil society. Speaking at the unveiling of the KSM Endowment Fund and Charity Initiative by the Order of the Knights of St. Mulumba in Abuja, Abbas, represented by Festus Adefiranye, Chairman of the House Committee on Christian Pilgrims, praised the Catholic organization for establishing a fund to sustain humanitarian efforts. He described the initiative as a model of responsible stewardship, noting that sustainable national development requires genuine partnership among public institutions and other sectors. The Speaker highlighted that religious organizations play a unique role in nation-building by fostering public trust, shaping moral values, promoting social cohesion, and reaching underserved communities. He affirmed the House of Representatives' commitment to promoting constitutional rights and ensuring religious freedom for all citizens, while also urging Nigerians to embrace religious tolerance and national unity. Senator Jarigbe Jarigbe, representing Cross River North, also spoke, expressing his support for the endowment fund and its alignment with his philosophy of assisting vulnerable Nigerians.
The Nigerian Senate has passed the Federal Road Safety Corps Amendment Bill, 2026, which introduces new penalties and increases existing fines for various traffic offenses. The bill, awaiting presidential assent, proposes a ₦50,000 fine for individuals convicted of hawking, trading, or preaching inside commercial vehicles. This provision aims to reduce distractions and enhance commuter safety. Motorists who fail to cooperate with Federal Road Safety Corps officials during roadside breath tests based on reasonable suspicion will also face a ₦50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both. The legislation significantly raises the penalty for driving under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating drugs from ₦5,000 to ₦100,000, with offenders also risking up to two years’ imprisonment or both. Disobeying traffic lights, road signs, and other traffic control devices will now incur a ₦100,000 penalty. Speed limit violations, previously ₦5,000, will now attract a ₦100,000 fine, and reckless driving will also result in a ₦100,000 fine, up to two years’ imprisonment, or both. The revised schedule includes 52 traffic violations, with the Senate stating that the review aims to strengthen the FRSC’s enforcement powers, improve compliance with traffic regulations, and enhance safety on Nigerian roads.
Must ReadThe Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso, announced that the country’s net foreign exchange reserves have risen from approximately $3 billion at the start of economic reforms to about $40 billion. This increase, disclosed at the BusinessDay CEO Forum in Lagos, signifies improved external liquidity and growing investor confidence. Cardoso noted that Nigeria's gross external reserves reached around $52 billion as of Wednesday. He highlighted that the recovery in net reserves demonstrates progress in stabilizing the foreign exchange market and is a result of reforms aimed at restoring economic confidence and strengthening Nigeria's external position. The CBN Governor urged business leaders to capitalize on the improved macroeconomic environment, emphasizing that stability creates a foundation for attracting investment, stimulating growth, and fostering prosperity. He expressed optimism that this progress would encourage greater capital commitment to the Nigerian economy.