Nigeria Slashes Transport Fares 50% with CNG Rollout

Commuters across Nigeria are paying half the price they used to for bus rides, thanks to a nationwide shift to compressed natural gas vehicles that's delivering real savings right now.

President Bola Tinubu announced Saturday that the country's CNG Transit Programme has already converted over 120,000 vehicles and built 90 refueling stations, with tangible results changing daily life for millions. From October 1, he's directing all 36 states to accelerate the rollout so even more Nigerians feel the impact in their wallets.

The numbers tell a powerful story. In Kaduna, 100 free CNG buses have carried 3.2 million passengers in their first year, saving commuters over ₦3.5 billion. The Lagos to Ibadan route dropped from ₦8,000 to ₦3,200, while the Enugu to Nsukka fare fell from ₦2,500 to ₦1,500.

In Borno State, CNG and electric buses charge between ₦50 and ₦100 on routes where regular commercial operators charge ₦300 to ₦600. Abuja commuters partnering with transport unions now pay ₦900 instead of ₦1,500 to reach Gwagwalada, and ₦240 instead of ₦400 from Wuse.

The program leverages Nigeria's abundant domestic natural gas reserves to reduce dependence on expensive imported petrol. With global oil prices unpredictable, the country is building energy independence one converted vehicle at a time.

The Ripple Effect

The savings go far beyond individual fares. In Plateau State alone, government buses carry 13,000 commuters daily at ₦200 instead of the commercial rate of over ₦500. That's money families can now spend on food, education, and healthcare instead of just getting to work.

States are racing to join the movement. Edo deployed 50 CNG buses, Kano converted over 1,000 commercial vehicles, and Akwa Ibom just received 50 buses ahead of launching commercial operations. Delta, Kwara, and Lagos are expanding their CNG supported services.

The infrastructure is growing fast too. Nigeria now has over 400 certified conversion centers turning regular vehicles into CNG models, with more opening weekly. The federal government pledged continued support to scale the program and create opportunities for transport operators, manufacturers, and private investors.

Tinubu emphasized this isn't about bringing back costly fuel subsidies that drained trillions from the economy. Instead, Nigeria is building a sustainable solution using resources it already has. With every new CNG station and converted bus, the country moves closer to affordable transportation powered by homegrown energy.

The president's message to state governors was clear: work with transport unions, support conversions, build the infrastructure, and make sure savings reach citizens through lower fares. The October 1 deadline isn't just a target but a promise to millions of Nigerians who deserve relief from rising costs.

Nigeria has the natural gas, the infrastructure is expanding, and commuters are already experiencing the benefits every time they board a bus.