Amidst Fear of Losing Election, Tinubu Orders 500 More CNG Stations, Targets Cheaper Transport Fares From October
By Sabiu Abdullahi
President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of 500 additional compressed natural gas (CNG) refuelling stations across Nigeria as part of efforts to reduce transportation costs, in what, according to many citizens, appears to be fear of losing 2027 election.
Tinubu disclosed this in a statement he personally signed on Thursday after discussions with members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) on measures to make transportation more affordable.
According to the President, the governors had agreed to pursue measures that would lower transport costs, with particular attention to the savings offered by CNG-powered and electric vehicles.
Tinubu said the Federal Government is already supporting more than 100 gas-related projects across the country. These include 15 CNG mother stations and 86 daughter stations.
He said the Federal Government and state governments had also agreed to establish a joint committee that would commence work on the agreed measures immediately.
“I have also directed the additional rollout of another 500 CNG refuelling stations nationwide in addition to the 500 stations ordered earlier in the year by the Fund, bringing the programme to 1,000 stations across the country,” the statement reads.
The President said state governments have an important role to play because intra-state transportation has a direct impact on Nigerians.
“Intra-state transport is where Nigerians feel the cost most directly, and it is where the states hold the levers.
“I am encouraged that our Governors are moving to bring these benefits closer to the people they serve.
“We have agreed to set up a joint Federal and State committee to begin implementing these measures immediately. A vehicle running on CNG spends 60 to 80 per cent less on fuel than one running on petrol.
“From October 1, our goal is that Nigerians begin to partake in those savings through lower transport fares. We have agreed that cheaper fuel should result in cheaper fares!”
The President urged all levels of government to coordinate their efforts to ensure that Nigerians benefit from the programme.
“Each tier of government must keep doing its part and work together for the benefit of every Nigerian.”
Governors Consider Nationwide Fare Reduction
The development follows a communiqué issued by the NGF after its meeting in Abuja on Wednesday.
The governors said they were considering a nationwide reduction in transportation fares under the proposed National Affordable CNG Transit Programme (NACTP).
The forum said the programme would take advantage of the lower operating costs associated with CNG to provide more affordable public transportation.
Tinubu approved the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) in August 2023.
The Presidency said the initiative was designed to reduce the impact of petrol subsidy removal on Nigerians through lower energy costs.
With the latest directive, the number of CNG refuelling stations targeted under the programme is expected to rise to 1,000 nationwide.