By Peace Udugba -The Daily Torch Media
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed state governments to accelerate the rollout of compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric-powered public transport schemes as part of efforts to reduce transportation fares nationwide from October 1.
Tinubu, in a statement on Saturday, said the Federal Government was targeting measurable reductions in transport costs through the National Affordable CNG Transit Programme.
He said he reached an agreement with the 36 state governors on August 27 to pursue the reduction in transportation costs, adding that an implementation committee had been established under the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.
The President said the committee, the Presidential Initiative on CNG and Electric Vehicles, state governments and other stakeholders were identifying priority transport corridors and interventions required to achieve the October 1 target.
He cited existing fare reductions in several states, including Borno, where CNG and electric buses reportedly charge between ₦50 and ₦100 on routes where commercial operators charge ₦300 to ₦600.
Tinubu also said CNG buses had reduced fares on some routes in Oyo, Adamawa, Enugu, Plateau and the Federal Capital Territory.
According to him, Nigeria has recorded more than 120,000 vehicle conversions, over 400 certified conversion centres and more than 90 CNG refuelling stations as part of efforts to expand alternative-energy transportation.
He urged state governments to work with transport unions and operators, support vehicle conversions and fleet deployment, and ensure that savings from cheaper energy are passed on to commuters through lower fares.
The President said the Federal Government would continue supporting the expansion of CNG infrastructure and conversion capacity nationwide.
