By Esther Kozah
The Kaduna State Government’s free Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) bus initiative, introduced to ease the transportation burden on residents, is increasingly being hailed as one of the most impactful social intervention programmes in the state in recent years.
Launched on July 7, 2025 under the administration of Uba Sani, the scheme was designed primarily to cushion the effects of rising transportation costs on civil servants, students and retirees, though it remains open to all commuters across the metropolis.
Under the initiative, one hundred CNG-powered buses were deployed to ply major routes within Kaduna metropolis, including Rigachikun–Kawo–Kasuwa–Sabo, Rigachikun–Kawo–Independence Way–Yakowa Way, Tudun Wada–Poly Road–Sokoto Road–Kawo, as well as the Rigasa–NEPA Roundabout corridor, which was added later due to growing demand. To support smooth operations, government also constructed over 200 furnished bus stops at strategic locations for pick-up and drop-off activities.
Recent government data reviewing the programme indicated that within its first six months of operation, more than 1.4 million passengers benefitted from the service, while families reportedly saved an estimated N1.3 billion in transportation costs.
For many residents, the impact of the intervention goes beyond statistics.
A breakdown of the transport costs saved by an average civil servant reveals the economic relief the programme has provided. A worker residing in Sabo and commuting daily to Rigachikun would ordinarily spend about N900 on a one-way trip — covering fares from Sabo to Kasuwa, Kasuwa to Kawo and Kawo to Rigachikun. A return journey would amount to approximately N1,800 daily.
Calculated over four working days weekly and four weeks monthly, such a commuter would spend nearly N28,800 every month on transportation alone. Over a six-month period, this translates to savings of about N172,800 under the free transport scheme.
For many low and middle-income earners struggling with inflation and rising living costs, these savings have become critical to household survival, enabling workers to redirect funds toward feeding, family upkeep and other pressing needs.
Speaking during a recent edition of “Kwaryar Kira,” a programme aired on Kaduna State Media Corporation (KSMC) Radio, one commuter using the Rigasa route described the intervention as life-changing.
According to him, the free transportation service has significantly reduced his daily expenses and even enabled him to afford lunch while at work — something he previously struggled to do regularly.
Observers note that the initiative has not only reduced financial pressure on residents but has also contributed to improved worker morale, punctuality and productivity.
However, despite the widespread commendation trailing the programme, some residents believe there is a need for long-term sustainability measures.
Concerns have been raised over the indefinite continuation of the free service, especially considering the cost of maintaining the buses amid increasing passenger traffic and possible overloading, which could accelerate wear and tear on the vehicles.
Stakeholders have therefore suggested that government consider introducing subsidised fares rather than maintaining a completely free system. Under such an arrangement, commuters could pay a flat and affordable rate — for instance N200 per trip — regardless of whether they stop midway or continue to the final destination.
Many believe such a model would help generate funds for maintenance, ensure the durability of the buses and expand the service to underserved communities currently not covered by the routes.
There are also growing calls for the state government to extend the initiative to more parts of Kaduna metropolis and surrounding communities, given the positive socio-economic impact already being recorded.
As economic realities continue to challenge ordinary Nigerians, the Kaduna CNG bus initiative is emerging as a practical example of how targeted transportation policies can directly improve citizens’ welfare while promoting cleaner and more affordable urban mobility.
Esther Kozah
Director of Programmes, Kaduna State Media Corporation (KSMC)