Tinubu Orders States to Scale Up CNG Transport, Targets Lower Fares from October 1

Over 120,000 vehicles converted as FG pushes cheaper mobility nationwide

By FRONTLINE REPORTERS

President Bola Tinubu has directed the 36 state governments to accelerate the deployment of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and electric-powered transport systems, with the Federal Government targeting measurable reductions in transportation fares from October 1, 2026.

Tinubu said the directive followed an agreement reached with the governors at a meeting on August 27, after which an implementation committee was established under the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, chaired by Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

The President said the objective was to ensure that the lower operating costs associated with CNG and other alternative-energy vehicles translate directly into cheaper fares for commuters.

He cited existing interventions across several states as evidence of the potential impact of the programme.

In Borno, Tinubu said CNG and electric public transport services were carrying passengers for between N50 and N100 on routes where conventional operators charge N300 to N600.

In Kaduna, he said 100 CNG buses provide free transportation on major routes and carried about 3.2 million passengers during their first year, generating reported savings of more than N3.5 billion for commuters.

He also cited the Lagos-Ibadan route in Oyo, where CNG buses deployed to Pacesetter Transport reduced fares from about N8,000 to N3,200 during the initial deployment.

Other examples included Enugu, where 100 CNG buses reduced the Enugu-Nsukka fare from N2,500 to N1,500, and Abuja commuter routes where CNG-converted vehicles have reportedly reduced fares by about 40 per cent.

Tinubu said similar interventions were underway in Adamawa, Plateau, Niger and Abia, with state-supported CNG and electric transport services helping to reduce the cost of commuting.

“These are not projections. Nigerians are already experiencing these savings,” the President said.

120,000 vehicles converted

The President said the Federal Government had spent the past three years developing a nationwide CNG transportation ecosystem, resulting in the conversion of more than 120,000 vehicles.

He said the country now has more than 400 certified conversion centres and over 90 CNG refuelling stations, with infrastructure continuing to expand.

Tinubu said the expansion had become more urgent amid renewed pressure on global energy markets, which was affecting petrol and diesel prices and, consequently, transportation costs.

“Nigeria cannot control events in global energy markets. But as a gas-rich nation, we can reduce our exposure,” he said.

He urged states to work closely with transport unions and commercial operators, support vehicle conversions and fleet deployment, and facilitate the infrastructure needed to expand CNG-powered transportation.

“Above all, ensure that savings from cheaper energy reach Nigerian citizens through lower fares,” he said.

More states join CNG transition

The President disclosed that Edo currently has 50 CNG buses in active service, while Kano has converted more than 1,000 commercial vehicles and is expanding its conversion and refuelling network.

He added that Delta, Kwara and Lagos were expanding CNG-supported transport services, while Akwa Ibom had taken delivery of 50 CNG buses ahead of commercial operations.

The Federal Government has also continued to expand its CNG infrastructure programme. In August, Tinubu directed the rollout of an additional 500 CNG refuelling stations, bringing the government’s planned nationwide network to 1,000 stations.

Earlier in March, the Presidential Initiative on CNG was expanded to include electric vehicles, with the renamed PiCNG & EV initiative tasked with coordinating the country’s clean-mobility strategy and expanding vehicle conversions, refuelling infrastructure and electric-vehicle deployment.

Tinubu said the Federal Government would continue supporting infrastructure development, conversion capacity and private-sector participation to ensure wider access to alternative-energy transportation.

“Nigeria has the gas. We are building the infrastructure. We are already seeing the savings,” he said.

The President urged the states to maintain momentum ahead of October 1, stressing that the ultimate measure of the programme would be whether more Nigerians experience lower transportation costs in their daily journeys.