President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has set a target of October 1 for delivering measurable reductions in transportation fares as part of the National Affordable CNG Transit Programme. The programme aims to provide cheaper alternative energy and translate it into lower fares for commuters across Nigeria. Tinubu disclosed this in a statement issued on September 19, 2026, saying the initiative had become increasingly important amid renewed pressure on global energy supplies and rising petrol and diesel prices.
Tinubu recalled that he met with the governors of the 36 states on August 27, where they agreed on the objective of ensuring that more Nigerians begin to experience significant reductions in transportation costs from October 1. An implementation committee for the National Affordable CNG Transit Programme was subsequently established under the auspices of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, with Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as chairman. The committee is working to identify priority transport corridors, determine appropriate interventions, and put necessary arrangements in place.
The President cited developments in several states as evidence that cheaper energy could already translate into substantial reductions in transportation costs. In Borno State, CNG-powered and electric public transport services are moving commuters for between ₦50 and ₦100 on routes where commercial operators charge between ₦300 and ₦600. Kaduna State has deployed 100 CNG-powered buses providing free transportation on major routes across the state, carrying about 3.2 million passengers during their first year of operation, resulting in more than ₦3.5 billion in estimated savings for commuters.
Tinubu also highlighted developments in Oyo State, where CNG buses deployed to Pacesetter Transport reduced the Lagos-Ibadan fare from about ₦8,000 to ₦3,200 during the initial deployment. In Adamawa, alternative-energy transport services have reportedly reduced fares by as much as 50 per cent, from ₦8,000 to ₦4,000. More states are embracing CNG transport, with Enugu State deploying 100 CNG buses that reduced the Enugu-Nsukka fare from ₦2,500 to ₦1,500.
The President said the Federal Government’s partnership with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) had also resulted in fare reductions for passengers using CNG-converted commercial vehicles on several Abuja commuter routes. He listed Area 1-Gwagwalada as one example, saying the fare had dropped from ₦1,500 to ₦900. Similarly, the fare from Nyanya had fallen from ₦700 to ₦420, while passengers travelling from Wuse were paying ₦240 instead of ₦400.
Tinubu said the Federal Government had spent the past three years deliberately building a CNG transportation ecosystem across the country. More than 120,000 vehicles have so far been converted to CNG, while Nigeria now has more than 400 certified conversion centres and over 90 CNG refuelling stations. The numbers are continuing to increase as more states, transport operators, and private investors join the initiative.
The President commended governors and state governments that had moved quickly to establish alternative-energy transport systems but urged them to do more to ensure the benefits reach ordinary commuters. The Federal Government would continue supporting the expansion of CNG infrastructure and access, increasing vehicle conversion capacity, and creating an enabling environment for states, transport operators, manufacturers, and private investors.
Key points
- President Tinubu sets October 1 target for reductions in transportation fares
- Over 120,000 vehicles converted to CNG
- Nigeria has over 400 certified conversion centres and 90 CNG refuelling stations
