The implementation of President Bola Tinubu's Compressed Natural Gas-powered transport initiative has stalled, with commuters in several states continuing to pay the same or higher fares. Despite Tinubu's directive that transport fares should begin to fall from October 1, findings across the states showed that the directive had yet to translate into widespread reductions. Transport unions in some states said they had not received CNG buses, while motorists complained about inadequate infrastructure, including a shortage of refuelling facilities and conversion centres.
Public service workers under the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council have commenced a three-day warning strike over worsening economic and mental hardship affecting workers and their dependants. The strike, which began at midnight on Friday, October 2, is scheduled to end on Sunday, October 4. The council directed public servants across the federal, state and local government services to participate in the industrial action, demanding measures to cushion the impact of rising living costs.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited recorded claims totalling N11.2tn from the Federation in 2025 for costs and advances incurred on its behalf, including expenses related to securing the country's oil and gas assets. This represents a N4.07tn increase from the N7.13tn energy security expense recognised in 2024. The accounts indicate that the N11.2tn represents energy security costs and other receivables from the Federation rather than fresh cash expenditure incurred entirely in 2025.
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has challenged President Bola Tinubu's claim that Nigeria has entered an era of prosperity, arguing that economic growth figures have not translated into improved living conditions for many Nigerians. Atiku criticised the administration's handling of fuel subsidy removal, taxation, and other economic reforms, saying their impact had increased pressure on households and businesses.
The Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress has expressed anger over the police cancellation of a planned two-million-man march by the Obidient Movement in support of NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, in Uyo. The state police command cited intelligence indicating plans to exploit political activities to cause disturbances and threaten public peace.
Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on CNG and Electric Vehicles, Ismaeel Ahmed, said some states had already begun reducing fares, stressing that October 1 was not a deadline for all states to implement fare cuts simultaneously but the date from which the Federal Government would begin monitoring the rollout. Ahmed's statement comes as some states have started implementing the CNG-powered transport initiative.
NNPC reported higher production and a 33 per cent increase in profit after tax to N7.2tn, while crude oil and condensate production averaged 1.77 million barrels per day in 2025. The company's financial statements showed that the N11.2tn claims from the Federation were related to energy security costs and other receivables.
Key points
- Implementation of Tinubu's CNG-powered transport initiative stalls in several states.
- NNPC's oil security claims rise to N11.2tn in 2025.
- Workers begin three-day warning strike over worsening economic hardship.
