The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNGi), in partnership with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), has officially commenced the enforcement of a 40% reduction in transport fares for commercial vehicles powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) in Abuja. The policy, launched at a public event on Friday at the Area 1 Park in Garki, is a major step in promoting cleaner energy while easing the burden of transport costs on Nigerians.
The fare reduction aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to delivering affordable and environmentally friendly transport solutions, particularly as the nation grapples with the effects of fuel subsidy removal and escalating petrol prices.
Mr Michael Oluwagbemi, CEO and Programme Director of P-CNGi—represented at the event by Mr David Idakwo, the Northern Regional CNG Expansion Coordinator—highlighted the partnership with NURTW, which has resulted in a significant number of vehicles already converted to CNG. He outlined the revised fare structure that reflects the lower cost of operating on gas compared to petrol.
Some key examples include a drop from ₦1,500 to ₦900 for routes such as Area 1 to Gwagwalada, Bwari, Dutse, and Zuba; ₦1,200 to ₦720 for Area 1 to Kuje; and ₦1,000 to ₦600 for Area 1 to Mpape. Shorter city routes also saw reductions—for instance, Area 1 to Wuse fell from ₦400 to ₦240, and Area 1 to Apo from ₦500 to ₦300.
“These reductions are just the beginning,” said Oluwagbemi. “We have a roadmap to expand this enforcement to more parks in Abuja and eventually scale it across the country.”
To ensure adherence, a joint task force made up of P-CNGi and NURTW representatives has been deployed to monitor compliance. In addition, mystery shoppers have been introduced to carry out random checks. Passengers are urged to report drivers who do not comply with the fare structure through official P-CNGi channels, with disciplinary measures in place for violators.
Over half of the NURTW fleet in the capital has already been converted to CNG, according to P-CNGi. Notably, more than 70% of vehicles servicing airport routes have also transitioned, with revised fares for those routes expected to be announced soon.
The federal government is further collaborating with private sector stakeholders to expand the country’s CNG refuelling infrastructure, aiming to ease pressure on existing stations and reduce waiting times.
Mr Ibrahim Jubril, Secretary of NURTW’s Garki Branch, praised the initiative, saying it offers tangible economic relief. He reaffirmed the union’s full support for the fare reduction policy.
The initiative responds directly to the economic challenges faced by daily commuters, combining affordability with environmental responsibility by encouraging a shift from petrol to natural gas in Nigeria’s public transport system.
The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNGi), in partnership with the National Union of Road…
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