Governor Sani Extends Free CNG Buses Indefinitely, Saving Residents N1.39 Billion

By Tgnews Reporter

Kaduna Governor Uba Sani has greenlit the indefinite extension of the free Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) bus service, hailing it as a game-changer that has already slashed household transport costs by a staggering N1.39 billion.

The announcement, detailed in a statement issued Friday by Commissioner for Information Ahmed Maiyaki, stems from a glowing performance review of the pilot scheme spanning July to November 2025.

“This initiative isn’t just moving people—it’s moving Kaduna forward,” Maiyaki declared, emphasizing how the eco-friendly buses have alleviated the bite of soaring fuel prices and erratic public transit in Nigeria’s restive northwest.

Launched amid the nation’s crippling fuel subsidy removal and naira volatility, the CNG program deploys low-emission buses powered by abundant domestic natural gas, offering zero-fare rides across key routes in Kaduna metropolis and suburbs.

Riders, from market traders hauling goods to office workers dodging traffic snarls, have flocked to the service, logging thousands of daily trips that underscore its rapid adoption.

The review, Maiyaki noted, revealed not only the financial windfall—equivalent to easing the burden on over 500,000 households—but also ripple benefits like reduced carbon footprints and decongested roads.

“We’ve seen a tangible drop in transport expenses, freeing up family budgets for essentials like food and education,” he added, crediting the scheme’s success to strategic partnerships with gas suppliers and private operators.

Governor Sani’s indefinite rollover signals a long-term commitment, potentially scaling up the fleet and routes in 2026. It’s a savvy pivot in Kaduna’s climate action playbook, aligning with federal incentives for CNG adoption under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Yet, as the state eyes expansion, challenges loom: Infrastructure upgrades for refueling stations and maintenance could test fiscal limits in a region grappling with security and economic headwinds.

“This free ride is a breath of fresh air, literally,” quipped commuter Fatima Yusuf at a bustling Kaduna terminal, her shopping bags in tow. As Sani’s administration doubles down, the CNG buses aren’t just ferrying passengers; they’re fueling hope in a state determined to rev up its future on cleaner, cheaper wheels.