President Bola Tinubu has directed state governments to accelerate the rollout of the National Affordable CNG Transit Programme, aiming to deliver noticeable reductions in transport fares for more Nigerians starting October 1, 2026.
According to a statement released on Saturday, the President noted that the decision was agreed upon during an August 27 meeting with all 36 state governors. Following that meeting, an implementation committee chaired by Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq was set up under the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.
“I am aware of the considerable work already underway by the committee, PI-CNG & EV, the states, and other critical stakeholders to identify priority transport corridors, determine appropriate interventions, and put the necessary arrangements in place,” Tinubu said. He added, “This work has become even more urgent amid the current global energy crisis.”
The President pointed to several states where alternative-energy transit options are already driving down costs for commuters. In Borno, public CNG and electric transport charge fares between ₦50 and ₦100, compared to commercial rates of ₦300 to ₦600. In Kaduna, 100 CNG buses provided free rides to roughly 3.2 million passengers in their first year, saving citizens over ₦3.5 billion. Oyo saw Lagos–Ibadan fares drop from about ₦8,000 to ₦3,200 following the deployment of CNG buses to Pacesetter Transport.
Similar reductions were recorded in Adamawa, where transit costs fell by half from ₦8,000 to ₦4,000, and in Enugu, where 100 CNG buses reduced the Enugu–Nsukka fare from ₦2,500 to ₦1,500. In Plateau, government-backed buses transport around 13,000 daily passengers at ₦200, compared to commercial rates exceeding ₦500.
Partnering with the National Union of Road Transport Workers on select Abuja routes has also resulted in 40 per cent fare cuts for converted vehicles. Fares on the Area 1–Gwagwalada route dropped from ₦1,500 to ₦900, Nyanya from ₦700 to ₦420, and Wuse from ₦400 to ₦240. Additionally, Niger state passengers on the Suleja–Abuja line pay ₦550 instead of ₦800, while Abia launched 40 electric buses featuring 50 per cent fare subsidies.
“These are not projections. Nigerians are already experiencing these savings,” the President said.
Tinubu shared that over the last three years, the Federal Government has converted more than 120,000 vehicles, established over 400 certified conversion centres, and built more than 90 CNG refuelling stations nationwide.
Emphasizing the impact of global energy disruptions on fuel prices, he noted: “Disruptions to global energy supplies are once again pressuring petrol and diesel prices and increasing transportation costs worldwide. Nigeria cannot control events in global energy markets. But as a gas-rich nation, we can reduce our exposure.”
He urged state governments to collaborate with transport unions, support fleet deployment and vehicle conversions, and set up the necessary infrastructure. “Above all, ensure that savings from cheaper energy reach Nigerian citizens through lower fares,” he said, adding: “Nigeria has the gas. We are building the infrastructure. We are already seeing the savings.”
This call to action follows comments from former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who on Friday urged the President to take immediate measures to lower petrol prices. Speaking in Abuja regarding energy costs and the general cost of living, Atiku warned that citizens are struggling under high fuel, transport, and food expenses following the May 2023 petrol subsidy removal.
“When government makes energy expensive, it makes life expensive,” Atiku said, calling on the administration to “let Nigerians breathe.”
