The Democratic Front (TDF) has welcomed the 36 state governors’ decision to invest in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) infrastructure, describing it as a major boost to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to reduce transportation costs.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Danjuma Muhammad, and Secretary, Wale Adedayo, the group said the governors’ resolve showed their readiness to collaborate with the Federal Government in easing the burden of rising transport fares.
TDF recalled that President Tinubu launched the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) in August 2023, shortly after the removal of the petrol subsidy, as part of efforts to provide Nigerians with cheaper energy and transportation alternatives.
The group said the initiative had so far led to the construction of 90 certified CNG filling stations, the establishment of more than 450 conversion centres across 23 states, and the conversion of over 120,000 vehicles, with an additional 100,000 conversion kits currently in use.
It noted that commercial transport operators in cities including Abuja, Lagos, Ibadan, Port Harcourt and Enugu had begun switching from petrol to CNG, while several interstate heavy-duty transporters had also adopted it as a cheaper alternative to diesel.
Although CNG adoption remains gradual, TDF said the governors’ decision to develop CNG infrastructure across their states would accelerate the transition and help lower transportation costs.
The group also welcomed the establishment of a joint Federal and State Governments’ implementation committee, which is expected to begin measures to reduce transport fares from October 1.
According to TDF, expanding CNG infrastructure would not only reduce intra- and interstate transport costs but also lower the cost of moving food from farms to markets.
It urged Nigerians to support the initiative, arguing that sustained investment in CNG and electric vehicles offered a more affordable and sustainable solution than a return to petroleum subsidies.
