President Bola Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced a coordinated effort between the Federal Government and state governors to reduce transportation costs across Nigeria, declaring that the benefits of cheaper fuel must translate into lower transport fares for citizens.
The President disclosed this on Wednesday after a meeting with members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, revealing that the governors had voluntarily agreed to implement measures aimed at lowering the cost of intra-state transportation by increasing the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and electric vehicles.
Expressing satisfaction with the outcome of the meeting, Tinubu said, “I am pleased with my discussion with the Governors’ Forum this afternoon. The Governors have, on their own initiative, resolved to take immediate measures to bring down the cost of transportation in their states, with a strong focus on leveraging the cost benefits of CNG and electric vehicles.”
He noted that the Federal Government has continued to make significant investments in the country’s energy transition through the Presidential CNG Initiative, which has already converted more than 120,000 vehicles nationwide, while over 100,000 additional conversion kits are currently being processed. According to him, the government is also expanding vehicle conversion centres and CNG refuelling infrastructure across the country.
The President further disclosed that the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund is financing more than 100 gas-related projects nationwide. These include 15 CNG mother stations and 86 daughter stations designed to improve access to cleaner and more affordable fuel.
Tinubu recalled commissioning four of the facilities in May across Lagos, Abuja and Owerri, including a 15-station refuelling network in Lagos and a high-capacity CNG station in Abuja capable of serving 1,000 cars and tricycles as well as 50 trucks and buses daily.
The President also announced an expansion of the national CNG infrastructure programme.
“I have also directed the additional rollout of another 500 CNG refuelling stations nationwide in addition to the 500 stations ordered earlier in the year by the Fund, bringing the programme to 1,000 stations across the country,” he said.
Tinubu stressed that transport within states has the greatest impact on the daily lives of Nigerians, making the active involvement of state governments essential to delivering relief.
“Intra-state transport is where Nigerians feel the cost most directly, and it is where the states hold the levers. I am encouraged that our Governors are moving to bring these benefits closer to the people they serve,” he stated.
To ensure swift implementation of the initiative, the President announced the establishment of a joint committee involving both the Federal Government and state governments.
He explained that operating vehicles on CNG significantly lowers fuel expenses, noting that such vehicles consume 60 to 80 per cent less on fuel than those powered by petrol.
Looking ahead, Tinubu said the administration intends for Nigerians to begin enjoying reduced transport fares from October 1.
“We have agreed to set up a joint Federal and State committee to begin implementing these measures immediately. A vehicle running on CNG spends 60 to 80 per cent less on fuel than one running on petrol.”
He added, “From October 1, our goal is that Nigerians begin to partake in those savings through lower transport fares. We have agreed that cheaper fuel should result in cheaper fares!”
The President concluded by calling on all levels of government to sustain collaboration in delivering economic relief to citizens.
“Each tier of government must keep doing its part and work together for the benefit of every Nigerian.”
