President Bola Tinubu has confirmed that transportation fares across Nigeria will decrease starting October 1, as part of the National Affordable CNG Transit Programme. The initiative, aimed at reducing costs for commuters, requires all 36 states to accelerate the implementation of compressed natural gas (CNG) as an affordable alternative to traditional fuel. Tinubu previously ruled out a return to the controversial fuel subsidy regime, which had been a point of political debate.
The CNG program is expected to lower transport costs by offering cheaper fuel options, potentially easing the financial burden on citizens. Officials have emphasized the need for state governments to prioritize the rollout of CNG infrastructure to ensure the policy’s success. While the plan is seen as a step toward economic stability, challenges remain in coordinating nationwide implementation.
Civil society groups have also called for broader social protections for informal sector workers, highlighting the need for inclusive policies beyond transportation. As the October deadline approaches, the success of the CNG initiative will depend on both government commitment and public cooperation.
