President Bola Tinubu has said Nigerians should begin to experience lower transportation costs from October 1, 2026, as the Federal Government intensifies the implementation of the National Affordable Compressed Natural Gas, CNG, Transit Programme.

The President’s promise was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Tinubu said the initiative was designed to deliver measurable reductions in transportation costs across the country, particularly through the expansion of affordable CNG-powered transportation.

According to the President, he met with the governors of the 36 states on August 27, where they agreed on the need to reduce the burden of transportation costs on Nigerians.

“From October 1, more Nigerians should begin to see measurable reductions in transportation costs,” Tinubu said.

Following the meeting, an implementation committee for the National Affordable CNG Transit Programme was established under the auspices of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.

The committee is chaired by Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

Tinubu said significant work was already being undertaken by the committee, PI-CNG and EV, state governments and other stakeholders to identify priority transport corridors and determine suitable interventions.

He added that arrangements were also being put in place to ensure the effective implementation of the programme.

The President noted that the initiative had become more urgent in view of the ongoing global energy crisis and its impact on transportation and energy costs.

The Federal Government has increasingly promoted compressed natural gas as an alternative fuel for transportation, with the aim of reducing reliance on petrol and lowering transport costs for Nigerians.

The October 1 target will therefore be closely watched as the government and state authorities move to translate the CNG transport initiative into reduced fares for commuters.