PCNGI enforces 40% transport fare slash for CNG vehicles in Abuja

DDM News

The Federal Government has commenced strict enforcement of a 40 percent reduction in transportation fares for commercial vehicles powered by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in Abuja.

Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria, is known for its impressive architecture, vibrant culture, and serene landscapes.

It serves as the administrative and political center of the country, boasting landmarks such as the Nigerian National Mosque and the Nigerian National Christian Centre.

The city is also a hub for numerous cultural events and activities, offering both residents and visitors an enriching experience.

Additionally, its well-planned layout and green spaces make Abuja a unique blend of modernity and natural beauty..

According to Diaspora digital media (DDM), the enforcement exercise is being spearheaded by the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI).

The implementation began at the Area 1 Motor Park and is expected to extend to other areas within the Federal Capital Territory.

Eventually, the initiative is projected to cover the entire country.

Michael Oluwagbemi, the project director of the PCNGI, announced the enforcement in Abuja on Friday.

He stated that the initiative is aimed at reducing the financial burden caused by the removal of fuel subsidy.

Oluwagbemi was represented at the event by David Idakwo, the regional CNG Expansion Coordinator for the North.

He explained that the fare reduction was part of a broader government strategy to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices.

Oluwagbemi emphasized that the PCNGI collaborated with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to ensure effective implementation.

According to him, many of the commercial vehicles under the union have been converted to run on CNG.

Based on this conversion, both parties agreed that transport fares should reflect a 40 percent reduction.

The new fare structure was reached after extensive analysis comparing previous petrol costs to current CNG expenses.

For instance, the transport fare from Area 1 to Gwagwalada, previously N1,500, has been reduced to N900.

Similarly, the fare from Area 1 to Bwari Dutse, which was also N1,500, now costs N900.

The journey from Area 1 to Kuje, initially N1,200, has been brought down to N720.

Passengers traveling to Galadimawa will now pay N300 instead of N500.

For those heading to Mpape, the new fare is N600, down from the earlier N1,000.

The cost of traveling from Area 1 to Zuba has been reduced from N1,500 to N900.

Commuters on the Area 1 to Lugbe route will now pay N420, instead of N700.

Those going to Jabi will also pay N420, down from N720.

The fare from Area 1 to Wuse has decreased from N420 to N240.

Passengers traveling to Nyanya will now be charged N420 instead of N700.

The Kabusa route, previously N800, is now priced at N480.

The fare to Apo has been reduced from N500 to N300.

To ensure strict compliance, the PCNGI has set up a task force in collaboration with the NURTW.

This task force is charged with monitoring adherence to the new fare regime.

Oluwagbemi said the task force includes mystery shoppers who pose as regular passengers.

These individuals are tasked with identifying drivers who fail to implement the agreed fare reductions.

Offending drivers will be reported to the task force and disciplined accordingly.

He added that over 50 percent of the vehicles at Area 1 Park have already been converted to CNG.

The conversion process is still ongoing, aiming to include even more vehicles in the program.

Vehicles that have been converted are marked with CNG identification stickers.

They also display the new fare tags for transparency and passenger awareness.

Passengers are encouraged to report non-compliant drivers to the task force.

Reports can be made through the PCNGI customer service hotline or directly to park leadership.

Oluwagbemi stressed that the new pricing regime is not optional.

He warned that any driver who fails to comply will face disciplinary action.

He also revealed that the enforcement program will soon expand to Area 3 and other parks within the FCT.

The larger goal is to implement the program across all regions of Nigeria.

Oluwagbemi disclosed that over 70 percent of airport vehicles have already been converted to CNG.

Modalities are being finalized to apply the fare reduction on airport routes as well.

Speaking on behalf of the union, Ibrahim Jibril, Secretary of the NURTW Garki Branch, confirmed the union’s support.

He said that the converted vehicles are easy to identify through the stickers and visible fare tags.

He emphasized that the new pricing model is fair to both drivers and passengers.

Jibril explained that despite the fare reductions, drivers are still making more profits due to lower fuel costs.

He compared petrol and gas expenses, noting that N20,000 worth of petrol could be replaced by just N4,500 worth of gas.

He noted that the same vehicle can operate for the same duration using the cheaper gas.

According to him, even after removing 40 percent from fares, drivers retain an additional 35 percent profit.

He said the program benefits all stakeholders in the transportation sector.

Jibril reiterated that the union is fully in support of the fare reduction initiative.

Tosin Coker, the PCNGI commercial coordinator, also commented on the initiative.

He acknowledged that there are still challenges with CNG infrastructure across the country.

Despite this, he confirmed that there are currently 10 functional CNG stations in the FCT.

He also disclosed that at least two more stations will become operational by the end of the month.

Coker assured that the federal government is working with private sector partners to expand the refueling network.

The CNG conversion program aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive.

The president’s directive includes the distribution of one million free CNG conversion kits to commercial vehicle operators.

The overall aim is to reduce transport costs and promote environmentally friendly alternatives.

By switching to CNG, Nigeria hopes to adopt cleaner, more sustainable energy practices.

The PCNGI believes this will offer long-term relief to Nigerians through cost-effective public transportation.

The program also supports national energy transition and economic recovery efforts.

The government continues to urge drivers and passengers to cooperate with the new policy.

Strict monitoring will be maintained to ensure transparency and compliance.

The administration remains committed to making life easier for everyday Nigerians through innovative energy solutions.

As the program expands, it is expected to revolutionize urban transportation in Nigeria.

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