Tinubu To Govs: Emulate Uba Sani On Mass Transit Scheme

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised the Kaduna State Government's Free Compressed Natural Gas Mass Transit Scheme, lauding it as a prime example of people-focused interventions. The president emphasized the importance of such initiatives from subnational governments, as they help reduce transportation costs and alleviate the financial strain on households.

Tinubu highlighted that the Kaduna State initiative showcases the potential benefits of transitioning to cheaper domestic energy sources, which can directly benefit ordinary citizens. The commendation came amid the Federal Government's renewed efforts and those of the 36 states to accelerate the National Affordable CNG Transit Programme, aiming to lower transportation expenses nationwide.

This initiative follows a meeting between Tinubu and state governors on August 27, where a coordinated action plan was announced to provide relief to Nigerians starting October 1. A committee has been formed under the Nigeria Governors' Forum, with Kwara State's Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq leading the charge. The committee is tasked with identifying key transportation corridors, determining suitable interventions, and establishing the operational framework for the program.

The urgency of the initiative is underscored by global energy supply disruptions, which have caused a surge in petrol and diesel prices, thereby increasing transportation costs globally. Nigeria, recognizing its vulnerability to international energy market fluctuations, is determined to leverage its vast gas resources to mitigate these risks.

The President has consistently advocated against reinstating the costly petrol subsidy regime, as it would expose the economy to global oil price volatility, consuming resources that could otherwise be allocated to development. Kaduna State, however, has taken the lead in adopting CNG transportation, implementing a scheme with a fleet of 100 CNG-powered buses that has facilitated over 3.2 million passenger trips in its inaugural year.

This has resulted in savings of more than ₦3.5 billion for commuters, marking it as a significant response to the fuel subsidy removal. Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State expressed deep gratitude for President Tinubu's recognition and affirmed the administration's commitment to continue prioritizing policies that protect vulnerable households and enhance access to essential services.

The Kaduna Free CNG Mass Transit Scheme exemplifies the broader strategy of Governor Uba Sani's administration, which advocates for evaluating public policy based on its tangible impact on citizens' lives rather than solely on the scale of government spending or official pronouncements.