In a bid to cushion the economic impact of fuel subsidy removal, the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) has slashed transport fares by 40 percent for commuters using CNG-powered taxis from the busy Area One Motor Park in Garki, Abuja. The announcement came during a field press briefing on Friday, following the successful conversion of more than 50 percent of the vehicles at the park to run on compressed natural gas (CNG).
Representing the PCNGI Chief Executive Officer, the North Regional CNG Coordinator explained that this move is part of a broader plan to provide immediate financial relief to Nigerians who are grappling with the high cost of transportation triggered by the subsidy removal. The 40 percent fare reduction is also aimed at encouraging more commercial drivers and transport operators to adopt CNG, a cleaner and more affordable fuel alternative.
To achieve this, the PCNGI worked closely with the leadership of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), who agreed to implement the discounted fares as a condition for benefiting from government-assisted vehicle conversions. The new fare regime, which took effect immediately, affects major routes across the city, with prices now ranging from N240 to N900, depending on the distance.
Some of the new prices include:
* Area One to Gwagwalada and Bwari Dutse: reduced from N1,500 to N900
* Area One to Kuje: reduced from N1,200 to N720
* Area One to Galadimawa: reduced from N500 to N300
* Area One to Mpape: reduced from N1,000 to N600
* Area One to Zuba: reduced from N1,500 to N900
* Area One to Lugbe: reduced from N700 to N420
* Area One to Jabi: reduced from N720 to N420
* Area One to Wuse: reduced from N420 to N240
* Area One to Nyanya: reduced from N700 to N420
* Area One to Kabusa: reduced from N800 to N480
* Area One to Apo: reduced from N500 to N300
To ensure compliance with the new pricing system, the PCNGI and NURTW have established a joint task force that will monitor operations at the parks. CNG-powered vehicles have been clearly marked with stickers and display the new official fares for passengers to verify. Commuters are also encouraged to report any driver who fails to comply, and sanctions are expected for violators.
Officials stated that this is only the beginning of a larger national rollout. The next stop for the enforcement team is Area 3 Motor Park, with plans underway to extend the initiative across other parks in Abuja and eventually throughout the country. The PCNGI stressed that the goal is to make CNG a mainstream energy option for the transport sector, offering a sustainable solution that reduces both emissions and operating costs.
The NURTW leadership also praised the initiative, noting that it significantly lowers operational costs for drivers. One official revealed that while petrol could cost up to N20,000 to fill a vehicle, the same volume of CNG costs around N4,500, representing savings of about 75 percent. He said the union fully supports the government’s efforts and will continue working with stakeholders to ensure the program’s success.
Meanwhile, the PCNGI assured commuters and transporters that it is accelerating the development of CNG infrastructure across Nigeria. At present, ten CNG stations are operational in Abuja, with at least two more scheduled to open within the month. Mobile Refueling Units (MRUs) are also being deployed to help ease fuel access and reduce wait times.
As the federal government continues to encourage the use of alternative fuels, this initiative is being positioned as a key part of the national strategy to build a more sustainable and economically inclusive transport system. The PCNGI says it remains committed to supporting drivers and commuters alike as it expands CNG adoption across Nigeria.
