Government Starts 40% Fare Cut on CNG Buses in Abuja
The Nigerian government has started a new program that will cut transport fares by 40% for commercial vehicles that now use Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) instead of petrol. This new plan is part of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNGi) and began on Friday at the Area 1 Motor Park in Garki, Abuja. It is being carried out in partnership with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and has already taken effect.
Mr. Michael Oluwagbemi, the Chief Executive Officer of the program, explained (through his representative Mr. David Idakwo, who is the northern CNG coordinator) that the aim is to help Nigerians deal with the high cost of living. President Bola Tinubu gave the order for this program to make transportation cheaper for the people.
He said many vehicles used by members of the NURTW have already been changed to run on CNG, and because of this, the drivers will now charge passengers lower fares.
“Our aim is to reduce the transport costs for ordinary Nigerians. We have worked with NURTW, converted many of their vehicles, and now they must reduce fares so passengers can benefit directly,” he said.
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The new fare prices from Area 1, Abuja to other locations are:
Gwagwalada: from ₦1,500 to ₦900
Bwari/Dutse: from ₦1,500 to ₦900
Kuje: from ₦1,200 to ₦720
Galadimawa: from ₦500 to ₦300
Mpape: from ₦1,000 to ₦600
Zuba: from ₦1,500 to ₦900
Lugbe: from ₦700 to ₦420
Jabi: from ₦700 to ₦420
Wuse: from ₦400 to ₦240
Nyanya: from ₦700 to ₦420
Kabusa: from ₦800 to ₦480
Apo: from ₦500 to ₦300
These new prices are possible because CNG is cheaper than petrol. This also helps reduce the effect of fuel price increases, which usually cause transport fares to go up. The program is also part of the government’s effort to reduce the financial pressure Nigerians are facing due to inflation and low income.
More CNG Vehicles Coming Soon
Mr. Oluwagbemi said that more vehicles are currently being converted to CNG, and this plan will soon cover other motor parks in Abuja and other states. Over 50% of NURTW’s vehicles in the country have already been changed to use CNG.
He also mentioned that the government will now focus on airport shuttles, and they too will soon offer cheaper fares. All converted vehicles will have a sticker from the P-CNGi program to make them easy to identify. A task force has also been created to make sure the new fares are followed.
If any driver does not follow the rules, passengers can report them by calling 07000000264 or sending an email to info@pci.gov.ng.
Mr. Ibrahim Jubril, who is the secretary of the NURTW at the Garki branch, said the union supports the program and will make sure all members obey the rules. Converted vehicles will also have fare tags so passengers can easily know which ones have reduced prices.
Federal Government to Give Out CNG Tricycles
The Nigerian government has been working on CNG projects for a while. Last October, they launched a website to help young people in transport get CNG-powered tricycles. The Minister for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said that 2,000 CNG-powered tricycles will be given to young people to help reduce unemployment and support clean energy.
He said the project will create jobs, lower living costs, and improve the economy. Mr. Oluwagbemi also said that switching to CNG is better for the environment and helps the country save money that was usually spent on petrol subsidies.
He added, “CNG is the future for Nigeria, just like the youth are the future of this country. By using CNG instead of petrol or diesel, we are helping the environment and saving the nation money.”
