Jubilation in Kaduna as Gov. Uba Sani extends free CNG bus rides

Residents of Kaduna State have welcomed with excitement the state government’s decision to extend indefinitely its Free Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Mass Transit Scheme, a move that has continued to ease the daily transportation challenges faced by commuters.

The decision was announced by the Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki, who said the extension followed the “overwhelmingly positive impact” of the initiative on residents across the state.

According to Maiyaki, Governor Uba Sani approved the continuation after reviewing an assessment report covering the scheme’s performance between July and November 2025.

He disclosed that within the five-month period, 100 CNG-powered buses operating across 200 designated bus stops conveyed more than 1.4 million passengers, helping households save an estimated ₦1.39 billion in transportation costs.

“These figures go beyond statistics,” Maiyaki said. “They translate into school fees paid, food on family tables, businesses staying afloat, and thousands of residents moving daily without the burden of transport expenses.”

He added that the programme currently serves over 18,000 commuters daily, describing it as one of the most impactful social intervention initiatives of the Uba Sani administration.

The Commissioner further revealed that the governor was deeply touched by testimonies from beneficiaries during recent field assessments, prompting his directive that the free bus service should continue without a definite end date.

Quoting the governor, Maiyaki said: “The relief on the faces of our people and the gratitude in their voices remind us that leadership must always reduce the burdens of ordinary citizens. For this reason, I have approved the indefinite continuation of the Free CNG Mass Transit Scheme.”

He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to expanding safe, affordable and environmentally friendly transportation as part of its broader human capital development agenda in Kaduna State.