On September 19, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu updated the nation on the National Affordable CNG Transit Programme, highlighting Kaduna State's remarkable progress. The state has deployed 100 CNG-powered buses, providing free transportation on major routes. In their first year, these buses have carried approximately 3.2 million passengers, saving commuters over N3.5 billion in transportation costs. This achievement demonstrates the tangible impact of government policies on citizens' daily lives.
Kaduna's success is attributed to Governor Uba Sani's administration, which prioritizes the welfare and economic wellbeing of its citizens. The state's CNG transportation initiative serves as a reference point for other states, showcasing the potential for alternative-energy transportation to reduce fares. For instance, in Borno, CNG-powered and electric public transport services charge between N50 and N100, significantly lower than commercial operators' rates of N300 to N600.
The National Affordable CNG Transit Programme has yielded impressive results across various states. In Oyo, CNG buses reduced the Lagos–Ibadan fare from approximately N8,000 to N3,200. Similarly, in Enugu, the Enugu–Nsukka fare decreased from N2,500 to N1,500. Plateau's government-supported buses transport around 13,000 commuters daily at N200, compared to over N500 charged commercially. These examples illustrate the broader national potential of CNG-powered transportation.
The elimination of daily transport costs has a significant impact on citizens, particularly workers, students, traders, and families struggling with rising household expenses. By providing free transportation, Kaduna's CNG buses have made a tangible difference in the lives of its residents. The President's disclosure that Kaduna's buses saved commuters over N3.5 billion in their first year provides a concrete measure of that impact.
Governor Uba Sani's approach to the CNG initiative reflects a broader philosophy that government must constantly seek practical ways to ease the burden on citizens. Transportation affects virtually every aspect of economic and social life, and reducing transportation costs has consequences beyond the bus stop. It puts money back into the pockets of citizens, which is particularly important given the current global energy-market disruptions.
Nigeria, as a gas-rich country, can reduce its exposure to global energy-market pressures by developing alternative sources of transportation energy. Kaduna's experience demonstrates this proposition in practical terms, using Nigeria's abundant gas resources to provide affordable mobility. The state's model shows that CNG transportation need not remain a policy proposal but can become a functioning public service capable of transporting millions of people and delivering measurable financial savings.
President Tinubu has challenged states to expand the CNG transportation initiative before October 1, with the goal of reducing transportation costs for more Nigerians. The Federal Government reports that over 120,000 vehicles have already been converted to CNG, with over 400 certified conversion centres and more than 90 CNG refuelling stations across the country. Kaduna's experience provides a valuable reference point for achieving this objective and demonstrates the conversation about CNG is fundamentally about the economics of everyday life.
Key points
- Kaduna State has deployed 100 CNG-powered buses, saving commuters over N3.5 billion in their first year of operation.
- The National Affordable CNG Transit Programme has reduced fares in various states, including Oyo, Enugu, and Plateau.
- The Federal Government aims to expand CNG transportation infrastructure, increasing conversion capacity and ensuring cheaper energy is transferred to passengers through lower fares.
