Tinubu Orders States to Cut Fares From Oct 1 as CNG Buses Slash Costs

President Bola Tinubu has directed all 36 state governments to ensure that lower operating costs from compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric buses translate into reduced fares for commuters starting 1 October 2026. The directive follows an August 27 meeting with governors where they agreed Nigerians should see measurable transport cost relief by that date.

An implementation committee under the Nigeria Governors' Forum, chaired by Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, is coordinating the rollout with the Presidential Initiative on CNG and Electric Vehicles. Tinubu urged states to work with transport unions, support vehicle conversions, and build refuelling infrastructure.

“Above all, ensure that savings from cheaper energy reach Nigerian citizens through lower fares.”

The President cited early results across six states. In Borno, CNG and electric buses charge ₦50–₦100 on routes where commercial operators ask ₦300–₦600. Kaduna's 100 free CNG buses carried 3.2 million passengers in their first year, saving commuters over ₦3.5 billion.

Oyo State saw the Lagos–Ibadan fare drop from ₦8,000 to ₦3,200 on Pacesetter Transport routes. Adamawa reported up to 50% fare cuts, from ₦8,000 to ₦4,000. Enugu's 100 CNG buses cut the Enugu–Nsukka fare from ₦2,500 to ₦1,500.

In Plateau, government-supported buses move 13,000 commuters daily at ₦200 versus ₦500+ charged by commercial operators. Abuja routes with CNG-converted vehicles under a National Union of Road Transport Workers partnership show a 40% fare reduction.