FG’s Petrol Discount Fails to Reduce Transport Fares

According to a report by Nigerian Tribune on Tuesday 10 November 2026, the Federal Government’s intervention to reduce petrol prices and ease transportation costs across the country has failed to deliver the expected relief to Nigerians, as commuters continue to pay high fares despite the introduction of a fuel discount by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

An investigation by Nigerian Tribune, published on Tuesday, November 10, revealed that nearly 50 days after President Bola Tinubu directed state governors to deploy Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered buses, transportation costs remain largely unchanged in several parts of the country.

The intervention, announced in September, was designed to cushion the impact of rising petrol prices and reduce the financial burden on commuters; Under the arrangement, state governments were expected to introduce CNG-powered buses and ensure that savings from cheaper fuel were reflected in lower transport fares.

The NNPCL also introduced a N66-per-litre petrol discount on October 1 as part of the government’s efforts to ease the economic hardship facing Nigerians; The company subsequently announced a 30-day arrangement to suspend its retail profit margin and sell petrol at cost, with priority given to public transportation operators.

However, findings across several states indicate that the initiative has recorded limited success.

In Kaduna and Kano, petrol continues to sell for about N1,410 per litre at some NNPCL outlets, while motorists complain about long queues and difficulties accessing the discounted price.

In Sokoto, customers reportedly face registration requirements and other eligibility conditions before benefiting from the initiative; Motorists in Kebbi and Zamfara also continue to purchase petrol at prices ranging between N1,420 and N1,480 per litre.

The situation is similarly challenging in Jigawa, where commuters say transportation fares have remained unchanged due to the absence of government-owned CNG buses and inadequate refuelling infrastructure.

A passenger travelling from Dutse to Kano, Isa Hamisu, disclosed that he still pays N3,500 for the journey, despite the government’s promise that transportation costs would reduce from October 1.

In Ondo State, commuters also reported no significant reduction in fares, while the state government is still working towards establishing CNG conversion centres and securing buses for public transportation.

The investigation further showed that residents of Lagos and Abuja have yet to experience meaningful relief. Petrol prices in the two cities reportedly range between N1,370 and N1,430 per litre, while commuters continue to struggle with expensive transportation.

A Lagos-based transporter, Ayodele Abdul, who operates along the Ikeja-Ajah route, said he spends approximately N75,000 daily on petrol to operate his vehicle for four trips.

He also expressed doubt that the NNPCL discount was widely implemented, saying he was unaware of any filling station in Lagos where motorists consistently purchased petrol at the reduced price.

Similarly, a Lagos resident, Mrs Adetola, said she spends about N3,500 daily on transportation from Ikeja to Obalende, describing the expense as a significant burden on her income.

Reacting to the development, former Chairman of the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria, Adetunji Oyebanji, questioned the effectiveness of the government’s intervention.

He explained that the N66 discount was initially introduced as an Independence Day promotional offer scheduled to end on October 31, rather than a comprehensive programme designed to provide lasting relief to commercial transport operators.

Oyebanji also noted that customers were required to download and use the NNPCL application to access the discount, a condition he said could have prevented many commercial drivers from benefiting.

He further argued that cheaper petrol does not automatically translate into reduced transportation fares, as transport operators ultimately determine what passengers pay.

Meanwhile, former House of Representatives member and ADC Kaduna South senatorial candidate, Godfrey Ali Gaiya, described the intervention as a Greek gift, arguing that a one-month fuel discount was insufficient to address the prolonged economic hardship experienced by Nigerians.

Gaiya questioned the accessibility of the NNPCL application, particularly for commercial drivers and low-income earners, insisting that the government had failed to introduce a policy capable of reaching the majority of citizens.

He also maintained that rising petrol prices had forced many motorists to reduce their activities because of the increasing cost of fuelling and maintaining their vehicles.

The findings have raised fresh concerns about the implementation of the Federal Government’s transportation relief measures, particularly as millions of Nigerians continue to grapple with high transport fares and the rising cost of living.