The Federal Government, through the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi), has donated four 50-seater hybrid buses to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to enhance public transportation in Abuja.

The buses, which can operate on both Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and diesel, are designed to ensure uninterrupted service even when CNG is unavailable.

Presenting the vehicles to the FCT Minister in Abuja, PCNGi Chief Executive Officer and Programme Director, Michael Oluwagbemi, reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to providing cheaper, safer, and more reliable transport for Nigerians. He described the FCT Minister as one of the strongest supporters of the CNG initiative and said the buses would serve as “foundation assets” for new city terminals.

Oluwagbemi stated that the FCTA would oversee the operation and maintenance of the buses, while PCNGi would monitor their use and impact to ensure optimal service delivery. He expressed optimism that within the next two to three years, Abuja residents, including private car owners, would prefer public buses, similar to practices in developed countries.

Receiving the buses on behalf of the Minister, FCT Mandate Secretary for Transport, Chinedu Elechi, thanked President Tinubu and PCNGi for the gesture, describing it as a boost to the capital’s transport network.

Elechi noted that public transport remains vital for residents without private vehicles and for those who opt for public options despite owning cars. He highlighted the administration’s recent commissioning of modern bus terminals at Mabushi and Kugbo, stating that more buses would be deployed soon.

The donation is part of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at strengthening public transportation in the FCT.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised President Bola Tinubu for what it described as excessive foreign trips and wasteful spending, accusing him of neglecting pressing domestic challenges.

In a statement on Thursday by its spokesperson, Bola Abdullahi, the party faulted the President’s latest foreign trip, claiming that he has embarked on 40 foreign visits since assuming office, spending a total of about 181 days — nearly six months — outside the country.

“By public records, this means that in the 26 months he has been President, almost 25 per cent of his time has been spent abroad,” the ADC said.

The party argued that despite billions of naira reportedly spent on these trips, there have been “no real economic gains,” while insecurity and poverty continue to worsen.

“Set against the growing insecurity that claims the lives of an average of 30 Nigerians daily, and widespread poverty that has left the majority of citizens in misery, this frequent flier presidency stands in stark contrast to the realities on the ground,” the statement read.

The ADC cited reports of bandit-imposed taxes in states such as Benue and Zamfara, rampant killings, worsening economic hardship, and a growing population of malnourished children.

The party also questioned the rationale behind Tinubu’s latest trip amid speculation about his health. “Nigeria deserves a President who is present. While millions suffer, our leaders cannot afford to treat governance like a part-time job,” it stated.

The ADC warned that speculation over the President’s health could harm the economy, discourage investors, and embolden the country’s adversaries.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that 637 candidates will contest 68 positions in the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council election.

The positions comprise six chairmanship and 62 councillorship seats across the six area councils. According to a statement on Thursday by INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, 17 political parties submitted nominations before the 6:00 p.m. deadline on Monday, August 11, 2025.

Olumekun said the personal particulars of all candidates, including academic credentials submitted via Form EC9, will be published on Monday, August 18, 2025, at INEC offices in all six area councils, in line with Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2022.

He urged the public to scrutinise the documents and noted that any aspirant with evidence that a candidate provided false information could challenge the nomination in court, as provided in Section 29(5) of the Act.

The final list of candidates will be released on September 22, 2025, in compliance with Section 32(1) of the Electoral Act, which requires publication at least 150 days before the election.

The FCT Area Council election is scheduled to hold on February 21, 2026.