{
  "id": 14868670,
  "title": "Artisans urge CNG operators to cut fares",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/artisans-urge-cng-operators-to-cut-fares",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-16T04:02:58.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Trust",
    "slug": "daily-trust",
    "url": "https://dailytrust.com/artisans-urge-cng-operators-to-cut-fares/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Coalition of Nigerian Artisan Associations (CONAA) has called on commercial transport operators using Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles to lower their fares compared to those charged by petrol-powered vehicles. CONAA Director-General, Chief Segun Ajibulu, made this request at a press conference in Lagos, while also expressing support for President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general elections.\n\nAjibulu criticized CNG-powered transport operators for charging the same fares as petrol-powered vehicles, deeming the practice dishonest. He urged these operators to consider the potential cost benefits of using CNG. Ajibulu expressed optimism about the country's economic future after the recent reforms, stating that Nigerians should be patient and give the Tinubu administration another year to show results.\n\nThe 2027 elections are seen as significant for Nigeria, Africa, and the international community due to the country's large population and strategic position on the continent. Despite numerous challenges such as corruption, terrorism, poverty, unemployment, and inadequate housing, CONAA believes that the administration needs more time to address issues accumulated over decades. They highlighted recent government efforts to tackle insecurity, support the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), improve oil revenue remittances, and invest in major road projects. These initiatives, they argue, could stimulate economic activities and create opportunities for artisans.\n\nAjibulu urged artisans to actively participate in electoral politics and assess the administration's record ahead of the polls. Comrade Samuel Odewale, President of the Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association (NATA), explained that some CNG operators maintain high fares due to loan repayments for converting their vehicles. He also cited a lack of CNG refuelling stations as another challenge facing operators.",
  "summary": "The Coalition of Nigerian Artisan Associations (CONAA) has urged commercial transport operators using Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles to reduce fares below those charged by petrol-powered vehicles, while declaring support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general elections. The Director-General of CONAA, Chief Segun Ajibulu, made the call on Tuesday at […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}