The Federal Government has begun engaging state governors, transport unions and commercial fleet operators to enforce reduced transport fares for commuters using Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered vehicles.
The move comes as the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG and EV) attracts more than 2.5 billion dollars in private-sector investment.
The initiative says it will introduce stickers displaying designated routes and approved fares on buses deployed under its programme to promote transparency and prevent overcharging.
However, findings across several states indicate that implementation remains uneven, with some commuters yet to benefit from fare reductions despite government investments in alternative-energy transportation.
The Head of Brand and Communications at Pi-CNG and EV, Onyekachi Eke, disclosed this in an exclusive interview, saying the initiative had begun engaging state governors to identify transport routes and establish mechanisms for enforcing reduced fares.
According to Eke, a meeting with the Jigawa State governor was scheduled to map out routes and determine how the programme would be implemented in the state.
She said the initiative was working with state governments, fleet operators and transport unions to ensure compliance with the presidential directive on fare reductions.
Eke explained that buses operating under the programme would display stickers showing their designated routes and approved fares, allowing passengers to know the charges before boarding.
Although the initiative is collaborating with transport unions and fleet operators to enforce the policy, she did not disclose the specific fare reductions or penalties for operators who fail to comply.
Eke said Abuja was already recording reductions on designated routes, with commercial vehicles converted to CNG under a partnership with the National Union of Road Transport Workers offering passengers a 40 per cent fare cut.
She added that similar reductions were being recorded through CNG and electric mobility interventions in Borno, Enugu, Niger and Abia states.
However, Eke acknowledged that the benefits had yet to reach all routes and passengers, noting that the programme was being expanded while officials continued engaging state governments and transport operators to improve compliance.
