President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed satisfaction that his administration’s investments in compressed natural gas, CNG, and electric-powered transportation are beginning to yield significant savings for Nigerians, with some commuters reporting fare reductions of up to 67 per cent.
The President, who personally responded on Sunday to feedback from beneficiaries of the Federal Government’s transport interventions, said the emerging relief reflected his administration’s resolve to cushion the hardship arising from the removal of the petrol subsidy while expanding access to affordable transportation nationwide.
In an extensive post on his verified X handle, @officialABAT, President Tinubu acknowledged testimonies from Nigerians who shared videos and accounts of how the government’s CNG and electric-vehicle transport initiative had substantially reduced their daily commuting costs.
He pledged to extend similar benefits to millions of Nigerians still awaiting affordable transport services in their communities.
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President Tinubu highlighted the experience of a commuter identified as Blessing, whose journey from Masaka to Berger in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, now costs ₦500 instead of ₦1,500, representing a saving of ₦1,000, or approximately 67 per cent, on each trip.
Addressing the beneficiary directly, the President wrote, “Dear Blessing, I watched your video and listened as you explained how your journey from Masaka to Berger in the FCT now costs ₦500 instead of ₦1,500. That is ₦1,000 saved every trip. I know what that means when you have a family to feed, bills to pay and other responsibilities waiting at home.”
President Tinubu also welcomed testimonies from two other commuters, Ada and Abigail, who said their transport costs between Enugu and Nsukka had fallen from ₦4,000 to ₦1,600, translating into savings of ₦2,400 per journey, or 60 per cent.
He further drew attention to the experience of Kabir, a commercial taxi driver, who disclosed that ₦10,000 worth of CNG enabled him to make three additional return trips compared with colleagues operating petrol-powered vehicles.
According to the President, Kabir was so impressed by the operating-cost advantage of CNG that he had resolved not to return to petrol-powered transportation.
President Tinubu also cited encouraging reports from Borno State, where some commuters now pay as little as ₦50 per trip on government-supported CNG and electric-powered vehicles.
“Your various experiences show what our investment in CNG transportation is intended to achieve. Lower operating costs for drivers should translate into more affordable fares for passengers, leaving families with more money for their everyday needs,” he stated.
Reflecting on his administration’s decision to remove the petrol subsidy on May 29, 2023, President Tinubu acknowledged the economic pressure the policy placed on households but maintained that the government had a corresponding responsibility to provide sustainable alternatives.
“When we removed the petrol subsidy, I knew the decision would bring difficulties for many households. With that decision came a responsibility to provide practical alternatives that would ease transportation costs.
“Your stories show this is already happening, and I want more Nigerians to experience these benefits,” the president declared.
The development comes amid renewed efforts by the Federal Government and state administrations to accelerate the deployment of CNG-powered buses, electric vehicles, and other affordable mass-transit alternatives following the latest increase in global crude oil prices.
Responding directly to another Nigerian, Emmanuel, who appealed for additional buses, the president declared, “To Emmanuel, who asked for more buses: I heard you.”
“I know many Nigerians are still waiting for affordable transportation to reach their communities. We are working with state governments through the Nigeria Governors’ Forum @NGFSecretariat and private investors to expand these services under the National Affordable CNG Transportation Programme,” he said.
Providing an update on recent deployments, President Tinubu disclosed that Ekiti State had received 15 CNG buses, Lagos 20, while Akwa Ibom had 50 buses ready for service.
He said Katsina State had introduced 30 CNG hybrid buses and 200 electric tricycles, while Kano had received 30 CNG buses and five electric buses, with another deployment scheduled for Edo State.
The President’s disclosure followed the October 4 launch of CNG-powered hybrid buses and 200 electric tricycles in Katsina by Vice President Kashim Shettima as part of the state government’s efforts to reduce transport costs and modernise public mobility.
Addressing renewed pressure arising from higher petrol prices, President Tinubu disclosed that the Federal Government had waived more than ₦3.3 trillion in fuel taxes and duties as part of measures to cushion the impact of the global energy crisis on households and businesses.
He also referenced the decision by NNPC Retail to forgo its profit margin for 30 days, with priority given to public transport operators, alongside efforts to establish a ₦1,350-per-litre ceiling on wholesale petrol supply costs.
“I also recognise the pressure rising petrol prices place on families and businesses.
“To cushion the impact, we have waived over ₦3.3 trillion in fuel taxes and duties. NNPC Retail is foregoing its profit margin for 30 days, prioritising public transport operators, while we work towards a ₦1,350-per-litre ceiling on wholesale petrol supply costs to reduce price volatility,” he stated.
President Tinubu maintained that the combination of immediate interventions on petrol prices and longer-term investments in alternative transportation demonstrated his administration’s determination to provide relief without undermining the country’s fiscal sustainability.
“These measures are intended to ease the immediate burden while we continue expanding affordable transportation alternatives.
“As President, I have a duty to provide relief today without compromising our children’s future.
“Every commitment must be sustainable and backed by a credible plan. That responsibility guides our decisions, including the difficult ones,” he stated.
Returning to the Nigerians whose testimonies prompted his intervention, the President said their experiences had encouraged him that the government’s investments were beginning to make a difference in everyday life, while acknowledging that considerable work remained.
“Blessing, Ada, Abigail and Kabir, your stories encourage me because they show what these investments mean in the daily lives of Nigerians.
“Emmanuel, your request reminds me of the work still ahead. I know many more Nigerians like you are waiting for these services.
“Our responsibility is to keep expanding access until affordable transportation becomes a reality for more communities across our country,” he said.
He gave assurance that they will continue to work as promised in collaboration with the state
