States Implement CNG Buses to Lower Transport Costs

Lagos, Kwara, Ekiti, Plateau, and Enugu states have initiated measures to reduce transportation costs by deploying or expanding the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, following President Bola Tinubu's directive for fare reductions effective October 1. While Kwara, Ekiti, Plateau, and Enugu have begun subsidized bus services, Lagos has received additional CNG buses but has not yet announced a fare-reduction scheme.

The federal initiative aims to provide measurable reductions in transport costs, but responses have been inconsistent across states due to varying infrastructure, fleet availability, and operational challenges. President Tinubu's directive followed a meeting with governors on August 27, urging collaboration with transport unions and commercial operators.

Although some states have seen fare reductions, others, including Rivers and Ogun, cite high petrol prices and maintenance costs as barriers. The Presidential Initiative on CNG and Electric Vehicles reported over 120,000 vehicle conversions and 90 refueling stations established nationwide, with fare reductions already in effect on certain routes.