States Roll Out CNG Buses As FG Targets Lower Transport Fares
States Roll Out CNG Buses As FG Targets Lower Transport Fares
Several state governments have commenced the deployment of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses and electric vehicles as part of efforts to reduce public transportation costs and cushion the impact of high fuel prices on commuters.
The development followed a directive by President Bola Tinubu on September 18, urging state governments to accelerate the deployment of CNG and electric mass transit systems ahead of the Federal Government’s October 1 target for measurable reductions in transportation fares.
While Kano, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states have already deployed CNG buses, others, including Delta, Ondo and Edo, are preparing to receive or introduce additional vehicles. However, indications emerged that several states may not meet the October 1 deadline.
The President, in an update on the National Affordable CNG Transit Programme, said Nigeria must take advantage of its abundant natural gas resources to develop cheaper domestic energy alternatives and reduce its exposure to fluctuations in international energy prices.
Tinubu said more than 120,000 vehicles had so far been converted to CNG under the programme, while over 400 certified conversion centres and more than 90 CNG refuelling stations were operational across the country and the Federal Capital Territory.
Kano State, which launched 222 CNG and electric vehicles in May, has emerged as one of the early beneficiaries of the programme in the North.
Speaking at the launch of the vehicles in Kano, Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, said the initiative was aimed at building a more resilient and economically competitive Nigeria.
He said the adoption of CNG and electric mobility was necessary to reduce transportation costs and lessen dependence on conventional fuels.
“Transportation costs affect food prices, businesses, manufacturing, logistics and ultimately the lives of ordinary Nigerians,” he said, noting that Nigeria’s large gas reserves provided an opportunity to develop cheaper alternatives.
Shettima described Kano as a strategic location for the northern rollout because of its importance as a commercial and transportation hub linking markets across Northern Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
He also commended private investors, including Greenville LNG, AY Shafa, NIPCO, AA Rano and Rolling Energy, for expanding gas infrastructure in the region.
Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, described the initiative as a major intervention capable of easing transportation challenges and creating economic opportunities for residents.
Akwa Ibom deploys 50 CNG buses
Akwa Ibom State has deployed 50 CNG buses across its 31 local government areas as part of measures to ease transportation costs.
The state Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, said the initiative was part of Governor Umo Eno’s efforts to reduce the burden of transportation on residents following the removal of the petrol subsidy.
According to him, the CNG buses are expected to provide a cheaper transportation alternative and complement the state’s existing road network.
Cross River begins CNG rollout
Cross River State has also taken delivery of 10 CNG buses for the commencement of its programme.
The Commissioner for Transport, Kingsley Egomi, said the state had begun establishing conversion centres, stressing that adequate infrastructure would be critical to the success of the initiative.
He said the state was also working on the deployment of electric vehicles, with about 10 already available.
Edo plans 50 buses
In Edo State, the government is preparing to introduce 50 CNG buses into the public transportation system.
The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kassim Afegbua, said the buses would be distributed across the three senatorial districts and the state’s 18 local government areas.
He said the buses would operate at very low fares, which he expected would compel private transport operators to reduce their charges.
Delta awaits 50 CNG buses
Delta State is awaiting the delivery of 50 CNG-powered buses for the pilot phase of its MORE Mass Transit Scheme.
The Commissioner for Transport, Onoriode Agofure, said the state was constructing bus terminals in Asaba and Warri, with the buses expected to arrive after the facilities are completed.
He said the buses would provide both intra-city and inter-city services in response to growing demand for affordable and organised public transportation.
Agofure said an assessment of transportation patterns in Asaba, Warri, Ughelli, Agbor, Sapele, Abraka and Oleh showed that about 80 per cent of residents depended on public transportation.
Ondo requests 100 CNG buses
Ondo State has requested 100 CNG buses and 100 CNG-powered tricycles from the Federal Government.
The Special Adviser to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Transport, Muyiwa Ogunyemi, said the requests followed consultations involving state transport commissioners, the Presidential Implementation Committee on CNG and Electric Vehicles and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.
He said the success of the programme should be measured by its ability to reduce transportation costs rather than simply by the number of vehicles acquired.
Ogunyemi also disclosed that the state was engaging private investors on the establishment of CNG conversion facilities and additional gas infrastructure.
Abia expands CNG fleet
Abia State plans to increase its CNG bus fleet to 60 by the end of the year, bringing the total number of buses acquired under the programme to 100.
Governor Alex Otti commissioned the first 20 buses last December and another 20 last month.
The buses currently operate mainly in Umuahia and Aba, with plans to extend services to several inter-city routes.
The state’s Green Shuttle service from Umuahia to Arochukwu, for instance, charges N2,000, compared with about N5,000 charged by private operators for the same journey.
Benue, Ogun, Anambra, Osun, Imo make preparations
In Benue State, the government said it had ordered additional buses, including CNG-powered vehicles, for public transportation.
The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hyacinth Alia, Kula Tersoo, said the state was working to expand its transport fleet, adding that the intervention was expected to result in lower fares when the additional vehicles become operational.
Ogun State also said it was expanding the adoption of CNG and electric vehicles as part of efforts to reduce transportation costs and dependence on petrol and diesel.
The state’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, said Governor Dapo Abiodun had directed the introduction of electric vehicles, including cars and motorcycles, while the necessary framework was being developed.
In Anambra, the Commissioner for Transport, Edward Obiefuna Ibuzo, said the government was engaging private investors, including Innoson Motors, to develop a sustainable transportation solution.
The state has also commenced skills acquisition programmes aimed at training young people in electric vehicle technology and CNG-related areas.
Osun State, meanwhile, is awaiting a Federal Government delegation to fine-tune arrangements for the introduction of CNG buses and the reduction of transportation fares.
The Commissioner for Transportation, Sesan Oyedele, said the state had already developed a blueprint for reducing fares but noted that effective implementation would depend largely on the availability of CNG buses.
In Imo State, the government said it was expanding the use of CNG-powered vehicles alongside the revival of the Imo Transport Company, while the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, has acquired CNG-compatible vehicles and tricycles for use within its community.
Lagos still in talks with FG
Lagos State, which operates one of the country’s most extensive public transportation systems, is still discussing the Federal Government’s fare reduction initiative.
The state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said Lagos supported the Federal Government’s reforms aimed at improving living conditions but did not provide further details on the state’s implementation plans.
Kaduna reports N3.5bn savings
Kaduna State said it had already been providing free transportation to residents using CNG buses supplied under the Federal Government’s mass transit programme.
The state Commissioner for Information and Culture, Ahmed Maiyaki, said the programme began in July 2025, initially targeting civil servants, retirees and students before being expanded to other commuters on designated routes.
According to him, about 3.2 million passengers have benefited from the service, resulting in an estimated N3.5 billion savings in transportation costs.
With more states either deploying CNG buses or preparing to receive them, the Federal Government is banking on cheaper gas-powered transportation to ease the cost-of-living pressures faced by commuters and encourage a gradual transition away from petrol-dependent public transport.
