Tinubu’s Fuel Relief Fails as Transport Fares Remain High

The Federal Government’s efforts to reduce transportation costs and ease the burden of rising petrol prices have recorded limited success, as commuters across several states continue to pay high fares despite the introduction of fuel discounts and plans to deploy Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered buses.

According to a report by Nigerian Tribune on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, an investigation has revealed that nearly 50 days after President Bola Tinubu directed state governors to introduce CNG-powered buses, many Nigerians are yet to experience the promised reduction in transportation costs.

The intervention, announced in September, was intended to reduce the impact of rising petrol prices by encouraging state governments to provide cheaper transportation through CNG-powered buses. The NNPC Limited also introduced a N66-per-litre petrol discount on October 1, alongside a 30-day arrangement to suspend its retail profit margin and sell petrol at cost, particularly for public transportation operators.

However, findings from different states suggest that the measures have not delivered widespread relief.

In Kaduna and Kano, petrol reportedly sells for about N1,410 per litre at some NNPCL outlets, while motorists complain about long queues and difficulties accessing the discounted fuel. Prices in Kebbi and Zamfara reportedly range between N1,420 and N1,480 per litre, while motorists in Sokoto face registration and eligibility requirements before accessing the offer.

In Jigawa, commuters say transport fares have remained unchanged because government-owned CNG buses and adequate refuelling facilities are yet to become available.

A passenger travelling from Dutse to Kano, Isa Hamisu, disclosed that he still pays N3,500 for the journey despite earlier expectations that fares would fall from October 1.

Similar complaints have emerged in Lagos and Abuja, where petrol prices reportedly range between N1,370 and N1,430 per litre. In Lagos, transporter Ayodele Abdul said he spends approximately N75,000 daily on petrol while operating along the Ikeja-Ajah route.

He also questioned the accessibility of the NNPCL discount, saying he was unaware of any filling station consistently offering petrol at the reduced price.

Former Chairman of the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria, Adetunji Oyebanji, questioned the programme’s effectiveness, explaining that the N66 discount was initially an Independence Day promotional offer scheduled to end on October 31.

He also argued that requiring customers to use the NNPCL application may have prevented some commercial drivers from benefiting, adding that lower fuel prices do not automatically guarantee cheaper transport fares.

Similarly, former lawmaker Godfrey Ali Gaiya criticised the intervention, describing the temporary discount as inadequate to address the economic difficulties facing Nigerians.

The findings have renewed concerns over the implementation of the government’s relief measures, as commuters continue to struggle with expensive transportation and the rising cost of living.

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