Commuters in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, can now enjoy more affordable transport, following the announcement of a 40% fare reduction for taxis powered by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
The initiative is part of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI), which aims to provide a cleaner, cost-effective alternative to petrol and ease the financial pressure on Nigerians, especially in the wake of the May 2023 petrol subsidy removal.
Chief Executive Officer of PCNGI, Mr Michael Oluwagbemi, said the fare reduction was introduced in collaboration with the leadership of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
He was represented by Mr David Idako, Regional CNG Coordinator (North), at a press briefing held at the Area One Motor Park in Abuja.
Mr Oluwagbemi explained that over half of the vehicles operating from the park had already been converted to CNG, significantly reducing fuel costs and allowing operators to pass on the savings to commuters.
*Compliance Measures in Place*
To ensure strict compliance with the new fare structure, a joint task force comprising members of the PCNGI and NURTW has been deployed.
Taxis running on CNG display visible stickers and fare tags to inform passengers.
Passengers are encouraged to report drivers who flout the new fare policy. “Any driver who refuses to comply will be reported to the task force and sanctioned accordingly,” said Mr Oluwagbemi.
*Fare Reductions at a Glance*
Revised fares from Area One Motor Park include:
Area 1 to Bwari Dutse: ₦900 (previously ₦1,500)
Area 1 to Kuje: ₦720 (previously ₦1,200)
Area 1 to Galadimawa: ₦300 (previously ₦500)
Area 1 to Mpape: ₦600 (previously ₦1,000)
Area 1 to Zuba: ₦900 (previously ₦1,500)
Area 1 to Lugbe: ₦420 (previously ₦700)
Area 1 to Jabi: ₦420 (previously ₦720)
Area 1 to Wuse: ₦240 (previously ₦420)
Area 1 to Nyanya: ₦420 (previously ₦700)
Area 1 to Kabusa: ₦480 (previously ₦800)
Area 1 to Apo: ₦300 (previously ₦500)
*Union Endorsement and Driver Gains*
Mr Ibrahim Jibril, Secretary of the NURTW Garki Branch, affirmed the union’s full support for the fare reduction, noting that over 75% of vehicles in the park had been converted to CNG.
He described the new pricing model as a win-win for both passengers and drivers.
“With petrol costing as much as ₦20,000 and CNG costing around ₦4,500 for the same volume, drivers still make a profit despite the fare reduction,” he stated.
“The union has also ensured that each converted vehicle is clearly marked with fare tags for transparency.”
*Expansion and Future Plans*
PCNGI Commercial Coordinator, Mr Tosin Coker, noted that infrastructure was being scaled up to support wider adoption.
“We currently have ten conversion centres, and two additional ones are in the pipeline to bring the total to twelve,” he said.
Drivers at the briefing commended the federal government and PCNGI for the initiative, stating that it had brought much-needed relief to citizens and improved their own profitability.
Victoria Ibanga
