The Federal Government has launched a free Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) bus service in Abuja to reduce transportation costs for residents of the capital city.
The service began operations on December 2, 2024, as announced in a video shared by the Presidential CNG Initiative on its X (formerly Twitter) page.
The buses are operating along popular routes, including Mararaba to Eagle Square and Berger bus stop, offering relief to commuters. According to government statements, the free service will run for 40 days, concluding on January 6, 2025.
Last week, the Ministry of Transportation handed over 15 CNG-powered buses to three major transport unions to address the high cost of transportation in Abuja. The unions include the National Union of Road Transport Workers, the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners, and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria.
In a video obtained by our correspondent on Monday, commuters expressed gratitude for the government’s initiative. Fatima, a passenger on one of the buses, said, “I just boarded a CNG bus going to Mararaba, and we were asked not to pay. I hope it will continue for long. I like it very much; I know this is the beginning of good things for Nigerians.”
Another commuter, Blessing, added, “If they’re doing like this, we’ll be happy. After this, let them bring down the price. That’s why I said they should.”
The introduction of the free bus service is part of the government’s broader efforts to mitigate the impact of high transportation costs on Nigerians while promoting the use of environmentally friendly CNG-powered vehicles.
