Lagos, Kwara, Ekiti, Plateau, Enugu Deploy CNG Buses to Cut Transport Fares
Our Correspondents Lagos, Kwara, Ekiti, Plateau and Enugu states have adopted different measures to reduce transportation costs, with the states deploying or expanding the use of CNG and government-subsidised buses
Lagos, Kwara, Ekiti, Plateau and Enugu states have implemented various strategies to lower transportation expenses, following President Bola Tinubu's directive for Nigerians to witness a decrease in transport fares starting October 1. Kwara, Ekiti, Plateau and Enugu have either initiated or broadened their subsidized bus services, while Lagos has procured extra CNG buses but has not yet disclosed a new fare-reduction program under the National Affordable CNG Transit Programme.
The response to the federal initiative has been inconsistent across the states, influenced by factors such as infrastructure, fleet availability, conversion costs and obstacles faced by commercial transporters. President Tinubu's directive to the 36 state governments to accelerate the National Affordable CNG Transit Programme's implementation came after his meeting with the governors on August 27.
The President urged states to cooperate with transport unions, commercial operators, support vehicle conversion and fleet deployment, and facilitate the infrastructure required for the transition. However, commercial operators in several states still oppose fare reductions, citing high petrol prices, spare-parts costs, maintenance expenses, and other operational challenges.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged the Tinubu administration to follow Germany's example by reducing fuel tax. The Presidential Initiative on CNG and Electric Vehicles reported that over 120,000 vehicles were converted and more than 90 refueling stations established nationwide. Fare reductions have already begun on some routes, with the federal government set to monitor the rollout starting October 1.
This report examines the progress made in various states following President Tinubu's directive, revealing that responses have been inconsistent. In Plateau State, the government is relying on its Tin City Metro Bus scheme for relief, while Kwara has received 20 CNG buses and expects another 10. Ekiti State is reducing transport fares by 50% with the deployment of CNG buses donated by the federal government.
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