Governors Back CNG Programme To Cut Transport Fares, Reject Accountability Claims

The 36 state governors, under the aegis of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), have thrown their weight behind a proposed National Affordable CNG Transit Programme aimed at reducing transportation fares across the country. The decision was reached at the forum’s third meeting held in Abuja on Wednesday.

The meeting was chaired by the NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

Among those in attendance were Governors Hope Uzodimma, Babagana Zulum, Douye Diri, Bassey Otu, Umar Namadi, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and Abdullahi Sule, while deputy governors represented Katsina, Yobe, Niger, and Oyo states.

According to a communique read by Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, the forum received a presentation on the proposed National Affordable CNG Transit Programme, a state-led initiative designed to translate the lower operating cost of Compressed Natural Gas into reduced transport fares for citizens.

The proposal envisages state support for CNG vehicle conversions, fleets, and enabling infrastructure, alongside fare commitments from participating operators.

Governor Diri explained that the initiative is part of the forum’s response to economic pressure created by high transportation costs. “Transportation is key,” he stated, noting that the cost of moving goods directly impacts the prices of food and other essential commodities. “And so by the time you reduce the cost of transport, it will have a multiplier effect on several others,” he added.

The governors noted the initiative’s potential to ease transportation costs but agreed on the need to further consider its financing and implementation framework . When asked about the timeline, Diri said details would be worked out between the forum and the programme’s proponents.

The governors also distanced themselves from allegations that state governments had failed to properly account for funds received from the removal of fuel subsidy. Responding to questions, Diri rejected the claim, saying: “That cannot be true. That cannot be true. But we’ll leave that debate for another day”.

The forum also received a presentation from the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, on opportunities for state participation in CANEX Weekend 2026 and the Intra-African Trade Fair 2027, both scheduled to be held in Lagos.

The governors expressed their collective resolve to participate and assured the minister of their support.