CNG Fare Reduction Slashes Abuja Transport Costs by 40% in Bold Move

CNG Fare Reduction Slashes Abuja Transport Costs by 40% in Bold Move

CNG fare reduction has brought a wave of relief to commuters in Abuja, with transport fares on CNG-powered buses slashed by 40%. This bold move by the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNGi), in partnership with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), is transforming public transport across the capital.

On a humid morning in Garki’s Area 1 Park, passengers gathered with curiosity and cautious hope. The launch event marked the official beginning of the fare enforcement, bringing welcome news to many who have been struggling with rising fuel costs since the subsidy removal.

“I couldn’t believe it when I heard. I asked the driver twice if it was real,” said Aisha Umar, a civil servant who commutes daily from Nyanya to the city center. “I’m saving over ₦2,000 a week now. That means a lot.”

The fare cuts are not just a showpiece. The reductions cover multiple routes across Abuja. Commuters from Area 1 to Lugbe, Jabi, Apo, and even distant areas like Gwagwalada and Zuba are paying significantly less. For instance, a ride from Area 1 to Kuje now costs ₦720 instead of ₦1,200. A trip to Galadimawa dropped from ₦500 to ₦300, and a journey to Bwari now costs ₦900, down from ₦1,500.

Michael Oluwagbemi, CEO and Programme Director of P-CNGi, was represented at the event by David Idakwo, the Regional Coordinator for Northern Nigeria. He explained the journey behind the reductions. According to him, this is the fruit of strategic planning, collaboration, and a strong push for a cleaner, cheaper energy future.

“We started converting commercial vehicles across Abuja many months ago. Now, over half of NURTW’s fleet in the capital runs on CNG. Airport shuttles are also over 70% converted,” Idakwo said.

The P-CNGi and NURTW are not leaving enforcement to chance. A joint task force has been deployed to make sure drivers do not exploit passengers. Mystery shoppers are among the task force, and their job is simple—board, observe, and report. Any driver caught overcharging faces serious disciplinary measures.

The system is designed to protect everyday Nigerians. P-CNGi has created multiple reporting channels, encouraging passengers to speak up if they’re asked to pay more than the approved fares. Many commuters have already shared positive feedback, citing their relief and the sudden improvement in their daily travel budget.

“The extra money I save now goes into feeding and school expenses for my kids,” said Chinedu Ogwu, a father of three and a market trader. “Transport was eating up everything before.”

The project isn’t stopping with Abuja. Oluwagbemi noted that P-CNGi has a roadmap to extend this initiative to more cities, aiming to scale up nationwide. “These reductions are just the beginning,” he emphasized. “We will expand to more parks and states. Our goal is full implementation across Nigeria.”

But behind the policy, there’s also a story of a country adapting to tough realities. Since the removal of petrol subsidies, life has become harder for millions. Prices of goods and services have soared. Transport, being a daily need, has been one of the hardest hit.

This is where CNG comes in. Unlike petrol, CNG is not only cheaper but also cleaner. Vehicles that run on it release fewer harmful emissions. So while saving money, the environment also wins.

The federal government sees this as a win-win. It is working hand in hand with private investors to expand refuelling stations and reduce long lines at the few available pumps. More infrastructure means more vehicles can convert, and more commuters will benefit.

“President Tinubu has shown that he understands the pain of the people,” said Ibrahim Jubril, Secretary of NURTW’s Garki branch. “This is not just about policy. It is about real people feeling real change.”

He added that the union is fully committed to the programme and will continue educating drivers and park managers about the new system. “Any driver who doesn’t follow this will be disciplined. No one is above the rules,” he said firmly.

The reduced fares and vehicle conversion efforts are being seen as a significant economic relief. However, they also highlight the long road ahead. For the initiative to succeed long-term, consistent enforcement, more CNG stations, and steady political will are essential.

In the meantime, everyday Nigerians like Fatima Musa, a student at the University of Abuja, are just happy for the breather. “For students like me, every naira matters. I used to skip lectures just to save on fare. Not anymore,” she smiled.

The streets of Abuja may still be filled with hustle and struggle, but for many, the road just got a little smoother and cheaper—thanks to a shift in energy and a government initiative that, for once, is meeting people where it hurts the most: their pockets.