Kaduna government: Free CNG bus initiative saved residents N1.39bn in five months

The Kaduna state government says its free compressed natural gas (CNG) bus initiative has conveyed more than 1.4 million passengers across four major routes and saved the residents N1.39 billion in five months. 

Presenting the figures during a media engagement in Kaduna on Friday, Ahmed Maiyaki, the commissioner for information, said the assessment, which covered July and November 2025, was conducted to measure the real impact of the free-ride policy introduced by the administration of Uba Sani, governor of the state.

Maiyaki said the numbers showed a strong uptake that has exceeded initial government projections, noting that the initiative, initially designed as a targeted intervention for civil servants and students, was later expanded to cover all commuters on the designated routes.

“From July 7 to the end of November, the buses have moved an impressive number of our people at zero cost,” the commissioner said.

“A breakdown of the figures shows that in Q3 2025—covering July, August and September—the buses conveyed 683,650 passengers, with the estimated value of the avoided fares put at N738.8 million.”

He added that ridership grew even higher in the following months.

“Between October and November, the service recorded 626,710 passengers, equivalent to avoided fare costs of N667.2 million,” he said.

“October alone accounted for 339,530 passengers, driven by the reopening of schools and increased intra-city movement.

“In total, Kaduna residents who rely on these four routes have saved N1.39 billion in just five months.”

He noted that the figures reaffirm Sani’s commitment to easing economic pressure on citizens.

Maiyaki said the 30 CNG buses operate across 200 bus stops in Kaduna from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, covering routes such as Tudun Wada–Kawo–Rigachikun, Rigachikun–Yakowa–Maraban Rido, Rigachikun–Kasuwa–Maraban Rido, and Rigasa–NEPA roundabout.

The commissioner disclosed that the scheme currently lifts an average of 18,426 passengers daily, amounting to about 294,824 commuters monthly, noting that each bus runs eight trips a day, reflecting high demand and operational consistency.

He added that the programme has also boosted local economic activities, particularly for micro and small operators affected by previous urban policies.

“Kaduna’s economy suffered when thousands of small operators were pushed out,” he said.

“This intervention is gradually restoring mobility and livelihoods.”

Maiyaki noted that despite the rides being free, the scheme has demonstrated strong financial viability, with projections showing that it could generate surplus revenue if fares were reinstated in the future.

The commissioner said the state government would continue to review sustainability options while prioritising citizens’ welfare.

He assured that the administration remains committed to maintaining a safe, clean and reliable public transport system, adding that updated ridership figures beyond November will be released in due course.