President Bola Tinubu met with the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, urging beneficiaries of government compressed natural gas (CNG) conversion projects to lower commuter fares. The President noted that CNG benefits are currently restricted to the pockets of vehicle owners rather than trickling down to the public.
The appeal responds to public outcry that fares charged by CNG beneficiaries match those of petrol vehicles. President Tinubu promised expanded access to conversion projects and confirmed plans to publish reports on the utilisation of fuel subsidy savings. Reflecting on his May 29, 2023, inauguration announcement ending the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) subsidy, he revealed he proceeded despite strike threats to secure the nation’s financial health.
The President however, promised to do more in the CNG project to ensure that more people have access to the conversion.
“Equally, the introduction of compressed natural gas. Well, I will appeal to you, we will do more. We will encourage you, but ask your drivers to let it trickle to the commuters too, because whatever benefit that is coming from CNG is going to the pocket of truck owners. It’s not spreading as fast as I would like it, but it should spread.
