President Bola Tinubu has announced that the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and electric vehicles is helping to reduce transportation costs for Nigerians. According to the President, commuters and drivers are reporting significant savings following the federal government’s investment in alternative transportation. The initiative aims to lower operating costs for transport operators and translate the savings into more affordable fares for passengers.
Tinubu highlighted the experiences of several Nigerians benefiting from the government’s investment. A commuter, Blessing, who travels from Masaka to Berger in the Federal Capital Territory, now pays ₦500 instead of ₦1,500, saving ₦1,000 per trip. Similarly, Ada and Abigail, who travel between Enugu and Nsukka, now pay ₦1,600 instead of ₦4,000, representing savings of ₦2,400 per trip.
The President also cited the experience of Kabir, a taxi driver who said ₦10,000 worth of CNG enables him to make three more return trips than colleagues using petrol. In Borno State, some commuters are paying as little as ₦50 per trip using CNG and electric vehicles. Tinubu stated that these experiences demonstrate the intended outcome of the government’s investment in CNG transportation.
The President acknowledged that the removal of the petrol subsidy had created difficulties for many households. He emphasized that the government had a responsibility to provide practical alternatives to ease transportation costs. To achieve this, the federal government is working with state governments, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, and private investors to expand affordable transportation services under the National Affordable CNG Transportation Programme.
Tinubu disclosed that several states had received CNG buses and electric vehicles for service. Ekiti State received 15 buses, Lagos 20, while Akwa Ibom had 50 buses ready for service. Katsina State introduced 30 CNG hybrid buses and 200 electric tricycles, while Kano received 30 CNG buses and five electric buses, with another rollout scheduled for Edo State.
The President also highlighted the progress made in converting vehicles to CNG and expanding refuelling infrastructure. Over 400 certified centres have converted more than 120,000 vehicles to CNG, while the government works to improve access for motorists. Additionally, Tinubu outlined measures aimed at cushioning the impact of rising petrol prices, including a waiver of over ₦3.3 trillion in fuel taxes and duties.
Tinubu acknowledged that many Nigerians were still waiting for affordable transportation services in their communities. He assured that the government was working with state governments to deploy more buses and expand the National Affordable CNG Transportation Programme. The President emphasized that lower operating costs for drivers should translate into more affordable fares for passengers, leaving families with more money for their everyday needs.
Key points
- President Bola Tinubu says adoption of CNG and electric vehicles is reducing transportation costs for Nigerians.
- The federal government is working with state governments to expand affordable transportation services under the National Affordable CNG Transportation Programme.
- Over 120,000 vehicles have been converted to CNG, with over 400 certified centres nationwide.
