Kaduna’s Free CNG Buses Save Commuters ₦1.39bn
By Ekanem Asuquo
Kaduna State’s free CNG-powered bus scheme has delivered significant financial relief to residents, transporting more than 1.4 million passengers and saving commuters an estimated ₦1.39 billion in transport costs between July and November 2025.
The Commissioner for Information, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, disclosed the figures while presenting the government’s assessment of the initiative introduced by Governor Uba Sani to ease mobility pressures on citizens.
Maiyaki explained that although the scheme initially targeted civil servants and students, it was later expanded to accommodate all commuters along designated routes across the state.
He noted that from July to September, the buses conveyed 683,650 passengers, saving them ₦738.8 million, while 626,710 passengers benefitted between October and November, avoiding ₦667.2 million in fares. October alone recorded 339,530 riders due to school resumptions and higher intra-city movement.
The service currently operates across 200 bus stops in Kaduna, Zaria, and Kafanchan, with 30 CNG buses running daily from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Popular routes include Tudun Wada–Kawo–Rigachikun, Rigachikun–Yakowa–Maraban Rido, Rigachikun–Kasuwa–Maraban Rido, and Rigasa–NEPA Roundabout. On average, 18,426 commuters board the buses daily, with each vehicle completing eight trips.
Maiyaki also highlighted the broader economic impact, noting that the scheme has revived microeconomic activities, especially for small roadside traders affected by earlier urban renewal policies.
He stressed that the free-ride programme reflects Governor Sani’s commitment to citizens’ welfare. “His Excellency is concerned about the well-being of civil servants, students, market women and ordinary citizens who rely on daily movement to survive,” he said.
Despite offering free rides, Maiyaki said the service has shown signs of financial viability, adding that projections indicate it could generate surplus revenue if fares are eventually reinstated. He said the government will keep reviewing sustainability options while prioritizing public welfare.
The commissioner reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to maintaining safe, clean, and reliable public transportation and promised that updated ridership data would be released in due course.
