Reloaded News Desk
States across Nigeria are stepping up efforts to deploy compressed natural gas and other cheaper transport options as the Federal Government pushes for measurable reductions in transportation costs from October 1.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed states to accelerate implementation of the National Affordable CNG Transit Programme, following an agreement reached with the 36 state governors.
The Federal Government says CNG and electric transport systems are already producing lower fares in some parts of the country.
In Borno State, CNG-powered and electric public transport services are reported to be carrying commuters for between N50 and N100 on routes where conventional commercial operators charge between N300 and N600.
Edo has 50 CNG buses in operation, while Kano has converted more than 1,000 commercial vehicles and is expanding its conversion and refuelling network.
Delta, Kwara and Lagos are also expanding CNG-supported transport services, while Akwa Ibom has taken delivery of 50 CNG buses ahead of commercial operations.
The Federal Government says the immediate objective is to ensure that savings from cheaper energy reach commuters through lower fares.
However, the rollout still faces practical challenges, including the availability of refuelling infrastructure, vehicle conversion capacity and the ability of states and transport operators to deploy vehicles at sufficient scale.
With October 1 approaching, attention is shifting from policy announcements to whether commuters will actually begin to feel the reduction in their daily transport costs.
