Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for recognising the state's Free Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Mass Transit Programme as an example of the kind of intervention needed at the subnational level.
Tinubu recently highlighted Kaduna's CNG initiative while updating Nigerians on the Federal Government's National Affordable CNG Transit Programme, saying the state's experience demonstrated how cheaper domestic energy could translate into direct savings for citizens.
According to the President, 100 CNG-powered buses are providing free transportation on major routes across Kaduna State.
The buses recorded about 3.2 million passenger trips in their first year, resulting in more than ₦3.5 billion in estimated transport-cost savings for commuters, according to figures cited by Tinubu and the Kaduna State Government.
Reacting to the presidential recognition, Uba Sani said the programme had provided relief to workers, students, traders, families and other residents who rely on public transportation.
The governor said Kaduna remained the only state in Nigeria providing free CNG mass transit rides to its citizens.
He said the savings recorded by commuters represented more than just transportation figures, arguing that the money retained by households could be used for other essential needs.
Sani said his administration would continue pursuing policies aimed at reducing pressure on vulnerable households, expanding access to essential services and creating opportunities for residents.
The presidential commendation comes as the Federal Government and the 36 state governments intensify efforts to reduce transportation costs through CNG and other alternative-energy transport systems.
Tinubu said the Federal Government and states had agreed to work towards achieving measurable reductions in transportation costs from October 1, with an implementation committee established under the Nigeria Governors' Forum.
The President cited other interventions across the country, including lower fares in Borno, Oyo, Adamawa, Enugu, Plateau, Niger and Abia.
He said Nigeria's abundant gas resources provide an opportunity to reduce the country's exposure to international energy-market pressures and urged states to ensure that savings from cheaper energy translate into lower fares for citizens.
The Kaduna programme has increasingly become a reference point in the Federal Government's push to expand affordable mass transportation following the removal of the petrol subsidy.
The State Government said the initiative is part of its broader efforts to cushion the effects of higher transportation costs and improve access to essential services.
The Federal Government says it will continue supporting CNG infrastructure, vehicle-conversion capacity and other measures designed to expand affordable transportation across Nigeria.
For Kaduna, Governor Sani said the focus would remain on sustaining the free transport programme and ensuring that its benefits continue to reach ordinary residents.
Comments
Post a Comment