3.2 Million Residents Benefit from Kaduna’s Free CNG Mass Transit Scheme, Govt Says

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

No fewer than 3.2 million residents have benefited so far from Kaduna State Government’s free Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) mass transit scheme, aimed at improving transportation and reducing commuting costs across the state.

The Acting Managing Director of Kaduna Line and Acting Director General of the Kaduna State Transport Regulatory Authority (KADSTRA), Engr. Inuwa Ibrahim, announced this during an inspection of some newly built bus stops in Kaduna.

Ibrahim stated that the transportation initiative is a key infrastructure project of Governor Uba Sani’s administration, designed to provide affordable, safe, and efficient public transport for residents.

He mentioned that the government is constructing 200 modern bus stops across the state to support 100 CNG-powered buses currently offering free transportation services.

“As you can see, we are here today to witness the transport infrastructure development undertaken by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, over the past three years.

We are at one of the CNG transport bus stops. So far, about 200 bus stops are under construction statewide to support the operation of the 100 CNG buses already deployed,” he said.

He added that the buses run daily from morning to evening, transporting passengers free of charge along designated routes.

He explained that one of the main routes, running from Rigachikun through Kawo to Sabon Tasha, serves over 30 communities, making transportation more accessible for residents.

Ibrahim said the transport initiative has saved commuters over ₦3.5 billion in transportation costs in just one year.

He noted that the project is progressing well, with more than 80 percent of the bus stops completed, and the remaining ones will be finished soon.

The KADSTRA chief also mentioned that the entire system has been fully digitized to improve operational efficiency and security.

“The buses are equipped with Intelligent Transport System (ITS) devices, making them fully computerized.

Through our control center, we can monitor each vehicle in real-time as well as activities at the bus stops, for effective management and security purposes,” he said.

Ibrahim stated that the digital monitoring system will enhance service quality, ensure passenger safety, and strengthen oversight of the state’s public transportation network.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to completing the remaining infrastructure and expanding access to reliable, eco-friendly transportation for residents.

Finally, Ibrahim announced that the CNG buses will soon start operating in Zaria and Kafanchan, once CNG filling stations are established in those locations.