NEWS
Details Emerge From Nigeria Governors’ Forum Meeting In Abuja as Governors Consider CNG Transit Plan to Cut Transport Fares Nationwide
The 36 state governors in Nigeria, under the auspices of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), are considering a major intervention aimed at reducing transportation costs across the country through the proposed National Affordable CNG Transit Programme (NACTP).
The proposed initiative formed part of key resolutions reached at a meeting of the Forum held in Abuja on Wednesday, with the governors examining how the growing adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) could be translated into more affordable fares for millions of Nigerians.
The meeting was chaired by the NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who led discussions on the proposed state-driven transit programme and other issues of national economic importance.
According to a statement issued after the meeting, the governors received a presentation on the proposed NACTP, described as a state-led initiative designed to leverage the lower operating cost of CNG-powered vehicles to bring down the cost of transportation for citizens.
The proposal is expected to involve support from state governments for the conversion of vehicles to CNG, the deployment of CNG-powered transport fleets and the development of critical infrastructure needed to sustain the programme.
Participating transport operators would also be expected to make commitments towards ensuring that the benefits of lower operating costs are reflected in reduced passenger fares.
The governors noted the potential of the initiative to provide relief to Nigerians who have continued to grapple with rising transportation expenses, particularly amid broader economic pressures.
However, they said further consideration would be given to the programme’s financing structure and implementation framework before concrete decisions are taken on its rollout across the states.
Beyond the proposed affordable CNG transit programme, the NGF also deliberated on opportunities for states to participate in major continental trade and investment events scheduled to take place in Lagos.
The governors received a presentation from the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, on the opportunities available through CANEX Weekend 2026 and the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2027.
Both events are expected to provide Nigerian states with opportunities to promote their investment potential, strengthen local industries and connect businesses with wider African and international markets.
“Governors noted the platform’s potential to showcase investment-ready projects, promote local exports and tourism, and connect State MSMEs with African and global investors and buyers.
“The Forum assured the Honourable Minister of its support in achieving these objectives,” the statement said.
The discussions signal a renewed push by the governors to explore policies that could provide direct economic relief to citizens while also positioning states to take advantage of emerging opportunities in clean energy, transportation, trade, investment and tourism.
With transportation costs remaining a major concern for many Nigerians, the proposed National Affordable CNG Transit Programme could become a significant intervention if the governors agree on a workable financing and implementation model capable of delivering genuinely lower fares across the country.