By By Elizabeth Ugbo
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed states to accelerate the National Affordable CNG Transit Programme ahead of October 1, 2026, following his August 27 meeting with the 36 state governors to reduce transportation costs for Nigerians amid rising global energy prices.
Tinubu Sets October 1 Transportation Cost Target
President Tinubu said the Federal Government and state governors agreed on a clear objective during their August 27 meeting.
He said more Nigerians should begin to see measurable reductions in transportation costs from October 1.
The government later established an implementation committee under the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq chairs the committee overseeing the programme.
Meanwhile, the committee, PI-CNG and EV, states, and other stakeholders are working on priority transport corridors.
They are also identifying suitable interventions and preparing the required infrastructure.
Tinubu said the current global energy crisis has made the programme more urgent.
CNG Programme Already Reducing Transport Fares
The President highlighted several states where cheaper energy has already reduced transport costs.
In Borno, CNG and electric public transport services carry passengers for between ₦50 and ₦100.
Commercial operators charge between ₦300 and ₦600 on some of the same routes.
Similarly, Kaduna operates 100 CNG buses that provide free transportation on major routes.
The buses carried about 3.2 million passengers during their first year.
They also saved commuters more than ₦3.5 billion in transportation costs.
CNG Buses Cut Fares Across Several States
In Oyo, CNG buses deployed to Pacesetter Transport reduced the Lagos-Ibadan fare.
The fare dropped from about ₦8,000 to ₦3,200 during the initial deployment.
Likewise, alternative-energy transit services reduced fares by up to 50 percent in Adamawa.
The Adamawa fare fell from ₦8,000 to ₦4,000 on the affected service.
In Enugu, 100 CNG buses have also entered service.
The deployment reduced the Enugu-Nsukka fare from ₦2,500 to ₦1,500.
Meanwhile, government-supported buses in Plateau transport about 13,000 commuters daily.
Passengers pay ₦200, compared with more than ₦500 on commercial services.
Abuja Commuters Also Benefit From CNG Conversion
The Federal Government also highlighted savings on Abuja commuter routes.
The government partnered with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to support CNG conversion.
Passengers using converted commercial vehicles receive fare reductions of up to 40 percent.
For example, Area 1 to Gwagwalada dropped from ₦1,500 to ₦900.
The Nyanya fare also fell from ₦700 to ₦420.
Similarly, the Wuse fare dropped from ₦400 to ₦240.
In Niger State, Suleja-Abuja passengers now pay ₦550 instead of about ₦800.
Abia State has also deployed 40 electric buses with fares subsidised by 50 percent.
Over 120,000 Vehicles Converted to CNG
President Tinubu said the government has invested heavily in Nigeria’s CNG ecosystem.
According to him, more than 120,000 vehicles have undergone CNG conversion nationwide.
The country now has over 400 certified conversion centres.
Nigeria also has more than 90 CNG refuelling stations, with more facilities under development.
Tinubu said the numbers continue to increase as the programme expands.
Tinubu Rejects Return to Petrol Subsidy Regime
The President said Nigeria must reduce its exposure to global energy price shocks.
He noted that Nigeria cannot control developments in international energy markets.
However, he stressed that the country’s gas resources provide an alternative.
Tinubu said the government would not return to the former petrol subsidy system.
He described the subsidy regime as costly and economically damaging.
Instead, he urged stakeholders to accelerate cheaper domestic energy alternatives.
More States Expand CNG Transportation
The President also commended states that have expanded CNG transportation.
Edo State currently has 50 CNG buses in active service.
Kano State has converted more than 1,000 commercial vehicles.
The state is also expanding its conversion and CNG refuelling network.
Meanwhile, Delta, Kwara and Lagos are expanding CNG-supported transport services.
Akwa Ibom has also received 50 CNG buses ahead of commercial operations.
Tinubu Urges States to Maintain Momentum
President Tinubu urged all states to sustain preparations ahead of October 1.
He asked state governments to work closely with transport unions and commercial operators.
He also encouraged states to support vehicle conversion and fleet deployment.
Additionally, states should facilitate infrastructure needed for CNG transportation.
Tinubu stressed that cheaper energy must translate into lower fares for Nigerians.
The Federal Government will continue supporting CNG infrastructure and access nationwide.
It will also expand conversion capacity and create an enabling investment environment.
The programme will involve states, transport operators, manufacturers and private investors.
Tinubu said Nigeria has the gas resources needed for the transition.
He added that the country is already building the required infrastructure.
Therefore, the next step is to accelerate implementation and expand the savings.
The goal is to ensure more Nigerians benefit from lower transportation fares daily.
