Arts and Life
Ministry of Petroleum Resources Unveils New Staff Buses for Enhanced Mobility* * Perm Sec Highlights Cost Benefits of Compressed Natural Gas Over Gasoline
In a bid to facilitate convenient staff commuting and official engagements, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources has inaugurated two state-of-the-art 32-seater Coaster buses. The commissioning event took place in Abuja, Monday, August 14th, 2023.
Ambassador Gabriel T. Aduda, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, informed that the present Administration, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, holds a steadfast commitment to staff welfare.
According to Chris Ugwuegbulam,an Assistant Director ( Information) in the Ministry, who made available information on the event to pressmen in Abuja on Monday, Aduda also underscored the government’s dedication to alleviating the challenges faced by workers, particularly in the aftermath of subsidy removal. He revealed that the Ministry received assistance in 2022 from the President, enabling the acquisition of the new buses.
Furthermore, the Permanent Secretary disclosed plans to convert the buses from gasoline engines to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), aligning with the Federal Government’s energy transition commitment. Aduda encouraged other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to adopt the CNG initiative due to its economic advantages.
The commissioning ceremony was conducted by the Permanent Secretary, representing the Federal Government, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Mrs. Folashade Yemi-Esan, and the Management of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.
Emphasizing the importance of maintaining the buses, Aduda handed over the keys to the Union Executives of the Ministry, urging them to ensure proper upkeep for extended service life.
Mrs. Patricia Umo, the Director of General Services, emphasized that the buses serve as welfare provisions that are aimed at motivating employees to deliver effective service.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry’s staff, Engr. Dipo Agboola, a union representative, conveyed gratitude to the Permanent Secretary and his Management Team for their forward-thinking initiative. Agboola announced plans to convert the buses to CNG within the next seven days, demonstrating the workforce’s appreciation and dedication to their responsibilities.
The ceremony culminated in the Union Executives presenting the bus keys to the designated drivers.