Nigerians await cheaper transport fares as Tinubu’s October 1 deadline passes

As Nigeria awaits a promised reduction in transportation fares, the deadline set by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on October 1 remains unmet. Despite the President's assurance at a meeting with state governors on August 27, the impact of the National Affordable CNG Transit Programme, which includes the rollout of 500 CNG refuelling stations, has been limited.

Transportation costs continue to remain high across the country, with fuel prices at N1,370 to N1,410 per litre in Abuja and diesel at N1,940 to N2,000 per litre. Even on some routes where the CNG-powered buses offer savings, the cost reduction is minimal compared to conventional transportation. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, an opposition leader, has criticized the administration for its lack of action on the promised fare cuts.

The Pi-CNG & EV initiative's Executive Chairman, Ismaeel Ahmed, acknowledged that the fare reduction has begun on certain routes, with commuters on the Gwagwalada-Abuja route paying about 40 percent less. Transparency International Nigeria's Country Director, Auwal Rafsanjani, attributed the issue to poor public accountability, stating that leaders often make promises they fail to keep, leading to a lack of trust among Nigerians.