The Federal Government has announced significant reductions in public transport fares on selected routes across Nigeria through the deployment of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered buses and electric vehicles.
The initiative, introduced to ease the financial burden on commuters following the removal of petrol subsidy, has reportedly reduced fares by as much as 50 per cent in some locations. However, the level of relief varies across states and routes.
In Adamawa State, transport fares have reportedly dropped by 50 per cent, with some journeys that previously cost ₦8,000 now costing ₦4,000.
In Enugu State, the introduction of CNG buses has reduced the fare on the Enugu–Nsukka route from ₦2,500 to ₦1,500.
The Federal Government also reported that CNG-powered and electric public transport services in Borno State charge between ₦50 and ₦100 on certain routes where commercial operators typically collect between ₦300 and ₦600.
In the Federal Capital Territory, commuters using designated CNG-converted commercial vehicles under a partnership with the National Union of Road Transport Workers benefit from a 40 per cent fare reduction. For example, fares from Area 1 to Gwagwalada have fallen from ₦1,500 to ₦900, while trips to Nyanya have dropped from ₦700 to ₦420.
Kaduna State has also introduced free transport services using 100 CNG-powered buses, offering relief to students, civil servants, traders, artisans and other residents.
The initiative forms part of President Bola Tinubu’s wider plan to make transportation more affordable by encouraging the use of alternative energy sources and expanding the country’s CNG infrastructure.
The President had directed federal and state authorities to work with transport unions and commercial operators to ensure that savings from cheaper fuel translate into lower fares for passengers.
However, implementation remains uneven. Reports from some states indicate that many commuters are yet to benefit, with limited CNG buses, inadequate refuelling infrastructure and high operating costs continuing to affect the rollout.
The government says it is engaging state governors and transport operators to expand coverage, improve compliance and make approved fares more transparent to passengers.
The programme is expected to expand as more vehicles are converted and additional refuelling stations become operational.
