Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing has unveiled a new line of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, signaling a bold move toward more sustainable and affordable public transportation in Nigeria. The rollout comes at a time when the federal government is pushing for alternatives to petrol and diesel following the removal of fuel subsidies.
The flagship model, the IVM 6110, is a 54-seater bus that runs on both CNG and diesel. It features a powerful 8.3-liter Cummins engine, manual transmission, ABS braking, air suspension, and passenger-friendly amenities such as dual automatic doors, air conditioning, television screens, a public address system, and a reverse alarm. The bus is built for comfort and durability, designed specifically for Nigeria’s roads and commuter demands.
While official pricing hasn’t been published, similar Innoson models typically fall within the ₦80 million to ₦120 million range. With the company’s expanded CNG plant in Nnewi now capable of producing up to 30,000 vehicles annually, large-scale production is well within reach.
The federal government has already begun purchasing and deploying these buses. President Tinubu, under the Presidential CNG Initiative, unveiled the first batch in 2024. Since then, orders have continued, with states like Adamawa recently receiving buses worth over ₦1 billion. Innoson is also building a showroom and service center in the North East to support ongoing distribution and maintenance.
CNG is significantly cheaper and cleaner than petrol or diesel, making these buses an attractive long-term solution for mass transit. With over 70% of the components locally sourced, the initiative also supports Nigeria’s manufacturing and job creation goals.
However, challenges remain. CNG refueling infrastructure is still limited across the country, and vehicle conversion costs remain high for commercial operators. Public education on the safety and reliability of CNG vehicles is also necessary to encourage broader adoption.
Still, the move represents real progress. If infrastructure catches up and the government sustains its support, Innoson’s CNG buses could become the backbone of a cleaner, more cost-effective transport system in Nigeria.
