On October 1, 2026, Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), criticized President Bola Tinubu for not providing evidence of the promised reduction in transportation fares. In his Independence Day message, Atiku questioned the President's claim that Nigerians would see measurable reductions in transportation fares starting from October 1. Atiku asked if the promise had materialized, emphasizing the need for tangible results.
President Tinubu had directed the 36 state governors to ensure that Nigerians began to see reductions in transportation fares from October 1. He outlined progress under the National Affordable CNG Transit Programme, aimed at reducing transportation costs amid pressure on petrol and diesel prices. Tinubu met with governors on August 27, and they agreed to work towards reducing transportation costs. An implementation committee was constituted under the Nigeria Governors' Forum.
Atiku criticized Tinubu for not providing details of the transportation fare reductions in his Independence Day address. He argued that the President failed to specify which routes became cheaper, what the fares were before and after, and how many people could use them. Atiku acknowledged that lower fares on some routes would be welcome but emphasized that they would not address the wider transportation challenges confronting Nigerians.
Atiku questioned the basis of Tinubu's October 1 target, asking whether it was a response to his proposal for a production subsidy. He challenged the Federal Government to publish details of the routes covered by the fare reductions, the old and new fares, and the number of commuters expected to benefit. Atiku emphasized that Nigerians cannot rely on announcements alone and need concrete evidence of the promised reductions.
Tinubu's directive to governors included accelerating the deployment of compressed natural gas and electric-powered public transport. The president pointed to existing CNG and electric-powered transport programmes in some states, demonstrating the potential of alternative energy to reduce transportation costs. An implementation committee, chaired by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, was working with stakeholders to identify priority transport corridors.
Atiku used his Independence Day message to restate his own economic proposals, focusing on reducing the cost of living. He proposed a capped and budgeted production subsidy tied to verified fuel refined in Nigeria, excluding imported petrol from the scheme. Atiku also pledged that the proposed subsidy system would be publicly documented and independently audited, with benefits passed to consumers through lower pump prices.
Atiku raised concerns about Nigeria's public debt, citing a figure of N166.79 trillion at the end of June. He called for greater disclosure before additional borrowing, emphasizing the need for transparency in government projects and spending. Atiku pledged that an ADC administration would prioritize affordability and protection of lives, with measures aimed at reducing costs and improving access to healthcare and education.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar challenges President Tinubu to provide evidence of promised transport fare reductions.
- President Tinubu had directed governors to ensure measurable reductions in transportation fares from October 1.
- Atiku proposes a capped production subsidy and greater transparency in government borrowing and spending.
