President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Kaduna State Government's Free Compressed Natural Gas Mass Transit Scheme, describing it as a people-focused intervention that reduces transportation costs and eases pressure on households. In a post on his official X account, Tinubu noted that such interventions are required from subnational governments. He made special mention of Kaduna State's intervention, highlighting its transition to cheaper domestic energy and tangible relief for ordinary citizens.
The presidential commendation came as the Federal Government and 36 states accelerate the National Affordable CNG Transit Programme to achieve measurable reductions in transportation costs. On August 27, Tinubu met with governors, resolving to ensure Nigerians experience substantial relief in daily commuting expenses from October 1. An implementation committee was constituted under the Nigeria Governors' Forum, led by Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, to identify priority transportation corridors and establish an operational framework.
The urgency of the initiative has been heightened by disruptions in global energy supplies, exerting fresh pressures on petrol and diesel prices and driving transportation costs upwards. The Federal Government noted that Nigeria cannot insulate itself from international energy market upheavals, but its abundant gas resources offer a credible pathway towards reducing vulnerability. Tinubu has reiterated that returning to the costly petrol subsidy regime would expose the economy to fluctuations in international oil prices.
The Federal Government intends to support states that have embraced CNG transportation and help them expand interventions capable of delivering immediate and measurable benefits to citizens. Kaduna State Government pioneered a scheme with a fleet of 100 CNG-powered buses, recording approximately 3.2 million passenger trips and saving commuters over ₦3.5 billion in its first year. This has established it as one of the government's most consequential responses to fuel subsidy removal.
Governor Uba Sani expressed Kaduna State's appreciation for Tinubu's recognition and reaffirmed his administration's determination to sustain policies that protect vulnerable households and widen access to essential services. He stated that Kaduna State continues to set national benchmarks in critical areas, including tackling out-of-school children and expanding vocational training and skills development.
The Kaduna Free CNG Mass Transit Scheme reflects the Governor Uba Sani administration's philosophy that public policy must be judged by its discernible effect on citizens' everyday lives. The scheme has become one of the most impactful interventions in cushioning the effects of fuel subsidy removal. Governor Sani emphasized Kaduna State's commitment to putting people first, reducing the burden on vulnerable households, and ensuring governance dividends reach ordinary citizens.
The presidential commendation and Kaduna State's initiative demonstrate a concerted effort to address the challenges posed by fuel subsidy removal and provide relief to Nigerians. As the National Affordable CNG Transit Programme continues to gain momentum, it is expected that more states will emulate Kaduna State's example and implement similar interventions to reduce transportation costs and improve the lives of citizens.
Key points
- President Tinubu commends Kaduna's free CNG mass transit scheme as a people-focused intervention.
- The scheme has recorded 3.2 million passenger trips and saved commuters over ₦3.5 billion.
- The Federal Government and states are accelerating the National Affordable CNG Transit Programme to reduce transportation costs.
