Abuja: The Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG and EV) has announced that transportation fares across Nigeria are expected to decrease from October 1.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, this announcement was made in a communique released on Thursday following a stakeholders meeting aimed at assessing the readiness and progress of implementing affordable CNG and electric vehicle transportation. The meeting, organized by Pi-CNG and EV, included representatives from various state governments and commissioners of transport.
The communique highlighted significant strides made by several states towards meeting the Federal Government’s objectives through the adoption of CNG and electric mobility solutions. Reports within the communique indicated that numerous states have already launched CNG and electric buses, tricycles, motorcycles, as well as conversion centers, refueling facilities, and charging infrastructure.
The document further noted that in some states, commuters already using these clean mobility services are benefiting from fares that are considerably lower than the current rates. For example, Niger State has procured 200 CNG buses, with 35 already operational, and established 11 electric vehicle charging stations. Similarly, Abia State has deployed 40 electric buses and 20 charging stations, with plans to expand to 100 buses by December.
Ogun State has invested in 1,500 electric motorcycles and operates over 20 battery-swapping stations. Cross River has deployed 720 electric vehicles, including buses and motorcycles, while Delta State has established 13 operational conversion centers and four CNG stations, with 50 CNG buses anticipated soon.
In Adamawa, an agreement has been signed for 2,000 electric tricycles, while Anambra has identified six priority transport corridors and plans to train 1,000 youths in vehicle conversion. Benue State has trained personnel and technicians and established a conversion center.
Mr. Ismaeel Ahmed, Executive Chairman of Pi-CNG and EV, emphasized that the focus of the engagement is to address infrastructure gaps in states already utilizing CNG and electric vehicles. States are required to identify their busiest transport corridors and provide necessary data to guide the deployment of additional CNG infrastructure.
To achieve the October 1 target, states are expected to submit three priority interventions that are feasible. Each state will establish an implementation team comprising officials from the transport, energy, and related sectors to collaborate directly with Pi-CNG and EV. Coordinators will be assigned to facilitate implementation and monitor progress at the state level.
Ahmed also highlighted the importance of private-sector participation, with state investment promotion agencies working toward a unified framework to attract investments into CNG and EV infrastructure. The goal is to ensure that the lower operating costs of CNG and electric mobility are translated into real savings for commuters, making affordable public transportation accessible to more Nigerians.