FG targets lower transport fares through CNG expansion from October

The federal government has directed state governments to accelerate the deployment of compressed natural gas-powered transportation to reduce transport fares across the country from October 1.

The move followed an agreement reached between President Bola Tinubu and the 36 state governors on August 27, leading to the establishment of an implementation committee for the National Affordable CNG Transit Programme under the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.

The committee, chaired by Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, is working with the Presidential Initiative on CNG and Electric Vehicles, state governments and other stakeholders to identify priority transport corridors and implement measures that will translate cheaper energy into lower fares.

President Tinubu, in a statement on Saturday by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, said the programme had become more urgent following renewed pressure on petrol and diesel prices amid disruptions to global energy supplies.

“From October 1, more Nigerians should begin to see measurable reductions in transportation costs,” Tinubu said.

He directed states to work with transport unions and commercial operators, support vehicle conversion and fleet deployment, and facilitate the infrastructure required to ensure that savings from cheaper energy reach commuters.

“Above all, ensure that savings from cheaper energy reach Nigerian citizens through lower fares,” he said.

Tinubu said several states had already demonstrated the potential of CNG and other alternative-energy transport systems to reduce commuting costs.