President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced that the switch to compressed natural gas (CNG) transportation is significantly reducing fares for commuters across Nigeria. This initiative aims to alleviate the financial strain on citizens amid escalating petrol prices.

In a recent post on his X platform, Tinubu shared testimonials from commuters and commercial drivers who have experienced lower transportation costs after transitioning to CNG-powered and electric vehicles. For instance, a commuter named Blessing reported that her fare from Masaka to Berger in the Federal Capital Territory has dropped from ₦1,500 to ₦500, resulting in a ₦1,000 savings per trip. Similarly, Ada and Abigail noted their fare for the journey from Enugu to Nsukka has decreased from ₦4,000 to ₦1,600, saving them ₦2,400.

The President also highlighted the benefits for taxi drivers, citing Kabir, who stated that spending ₦10,000 on CNG allowed him to make three additional return trips compared to his petrol-using counterparts. Reports from Borno State indicated that some commuters are now paying as little as ₦50 per trip on CNG-powered and electric vehicles, showcasing the potential advantages of government investments in alternative fuel transportation.

Tinubu acknowledged the challenges posed by the removal of the petrol subsidy but emphasized the government's commitment to providing practical solutions to reduce transportation costs. He stated, "Lower operating costs for drivers should translate into more affordable fares for passengers, leaving families with more money for their everyday needs."

To further enhance the transportation network, the President revealed that his administration is collaborating with state governments and private investors under the National Affordable CNG Transportation Programme. Recently, Ekiti State received 15 new buses, Lagos 20, and Akwa Ibom 50 buses ready for service. Additionally, Katsina State has introduced 30 CNG hybrid buses and 200 electric tricycles, while Kano has received 30 CNG buses and 5 electric buses. Another rollout is planned for Edo State, and Kaduna's 100 CNG buses have already transported over three million passengers.

Beyond public transport, the government is also expanding refuelling infrastructure, with over 400 certified centres having converted more than 120,000 vehicles to CNG. Tinubu outlined several measures aimed at alleviating the economic pressure on households and businesses due to rising petrol prices. The government has waived over ₦3.3 trillion in fuel taxes and duties, and NNPC Retail is foregoing its profit margin for 30 days, prioritizing public transport operators. Additionally, the government is working towards a ceiling of ₦1,350 per litre on wholesale petrol supply costs to mitigate price volatility.

These initiatives are part of the government's broader strategy to ease the immediate burden on citizens while expanding affordable transportation alternatives across the nation.