I Know What It Means When You Have A Family To Feed, Bills To Pay And Other Responsibilities–Tinubu

According to a report by Daily Post on Monday, October 12, 2026, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has responded to reports of reduced public transport charges in parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), following the introduction of buses powered by compressed natural gas under a government-backed transportation programme.

The development gained attention after a video featuring passengers discussing their travel expenses circulated across social media platforms. Commuters travelling between Masaka and Berger reportedly said their fares had fallen from ₦1,500 to ₦500 since the CNG-powered buses became available.

The reported reduction allows passengers to save ₦1,000 per journey, providing potential relief for residents who spend a significant portion of their income getting to work, attending school and carrying out other daily activities.

Reacting to the development in a post published on his official X account on Sunday, Tinubu acknowledged the difficulties many households face when meeting essential financial obligations.

The President said: “I know what that means when you have a family to feed, bills to pay and other responsibilities waiting at home.” His response highlighted the connection between transportation expenses and the financial pressures confronting families, particularly those managing limited incomes amid rising living costs.

The reported fare reduction is associated with the Affordable CNG Transport Programme, introduced through cooperation between the Federal Government and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum. The initiative seeks to expand access to lower-cost transportation by encouraging the use of natural gas-powered vehicles.

Unlike conventional petrol- and diesel-powered buses, CNG vehicles operate using compressed natural gas, which can offer transport operators an alternative fuel option. Lower operating expenses could create opportunities for more affordable fares, although actual savings depend on several factors, including fuel prices, maintenance and operating costs.

For regular commuters, the difference between the reported fares could translate into meaningful savings over time, particularly for workers who make repeated journeys throughout the week.

However, the reported fare reduction on the Masaka-to-Berger route does not establish that similar prices are available across Abuja or other parts of the country. The long-term impact will depend on the programme’s coverage, service availability and the sustainability of the reduced charges.

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