By Kehinde Jacobs
ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed excitement over testimonies from Nigerians on the impact of the Federal Government’s Compressed Natural Gas, CNG, transportation initiative, saying the feedback shows that the programme is already easing the burden of high transport costs.
In a statement he shared on his verified social media handles, the President made reference to viral videos and direct feedback from commuters across the country who have reported significant drop in fares as a result of the CNG intervention.
The President cited the experience of a commuter identified as Blessing, who now pays less for her daily journey in the Federal Capital Territory.
“Dear Blessing, I watched your video and listened as you explained how your journey from Masaka to Berger in the FCT now costs ₦500 instead of ₦1,500. That is ₦1,000 saved every trip. I know what that means when you have a family to feed, bills to pay and other responsibilities waiting at home,” Tinubu said.
He also mentioned two other commuters, Ada and Abigail, who ply the Enugu to Nsukka route.
“I was equally pleased to hear from Ada and Abigail, who now pay ₦1,600 instead of ₦4,000 to travel from Enugu to Nsukka, saving ₦2,400 on each journey,” the President noted.
The President further highlighted the experience of Kabir, a taxi driver, who said his switch to CNG has improved his business.
“I also listened to Kabir, a taxi driver who explained that ₦10,000 worth of CNG allows him to make three more return trips than his colleagues using petrol. He says he has no intention of going back to petrol,” Tinubu stated.
According to the President, similar encouraging reports have come from Borno State where some commuters now pay as low as ₦50 per trip on CNG and electric buses.
“I have also received encouraging feedback from Borno, where some commuters are now paying as little as ₦50 per trip on CNG and electric vehicles,” he said.
President Tinubu said the testimonies validate the objective behind the Federal Government’s heavy investment in CNG transportation following the removal of petrol subsidy.
“Your various experiences show what our investment in CNG transportation is intended to achieve. Lower operating costs for drivers should translate into more affordable fares for passengers, leaving families with more money for their everyday needs,” he said.
The President acknowledged that the removal of petrol subsidy had brought difficulties to many households but said it came with a responsibility to provide alternatives.
“When we removed the petrol subsidy, I knew the decision would bring difficulties for many households. With that decision came a responsibility to provide practical alternatives that would ease transportation costs,” Tinubu said.
He added that the positive stories from Nigerians show the policy is working and expressed desire for wider coverage.
“Your stories show this is already happening, and I want more Nigerians to experience these benefits,” the President said.
The statement comes at a time when the cost of transportation remains a major concern for Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections. Political observers say the administration is banking on tangible impacts of its reforms, especially in the transport sector, to appeal to voters.
The Federal Government had launched the Presidential CNG Initiative in 2023 as a palliative measure after subsidy removal, with the aim of converting vehicles to gas, rolling out CNG buses and reducing dependence on petrol.