President Bola Tinubu has acknowledged that the removal of petrol subsidy would cause hardship for many Nigerian households, saying his administration is expanding affordable transportation options to cushion the impact.

The President said the policy placed an obligation on the Federal Government to provide practical alternatives that would reduce transportation costs, particularly for Nigerians struggling to access affordable public transport.

Tinubu stated this in a post on his verified X handle on Sunday, where he highlighted the rollout of buses, electric vehicles and compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered transport initiatives across several states.

According to him, the Federal Government is collaborating with state governments, through the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, and private investors to expand services under the National Affordable CNG Transportation Programme.

He disclosed that Ekiti State had received 15 buses in recent weeks, while Lagos received 20 buses. Akwa Ibom, he added, had 50 buses ready for service.

The President further said Katsina State had introduced 30 CNG hybrid buses and 200 electric tricycles, while Kano had received 30 CNG buses and five electric buses. He added that another rollout was scheduled for Edo State.

Tinubu also disclosed that Kaduna State’s fleet of 100 CNG buses had transported more than three million passengers.

“Beyond the buses, more than 400 certified centres have converted over 120,000 vehicles to CNG,” he said.

He added that the government was expanding refuelling infrastructure to improve access to the fuel and reduce transportation costs.

Acknowledging the pressure of rising petrol prices on households and businesses, the President said the government had waived more than N3.3 trillion in fuel taxes and duties as part of measures to cushion the impact.

He also announced that NNPC Retail would forgo its profit margin for 30 days, with priority given to public transport operators, while the government worked towards a wholesale petrol supply cost ceiling of N1,350 per litre to help reduce price volatility.

“These measures are intended to ease the immediate burden while we continue expanding affordable transportation alternatives,” Tinubu said.

He added that his administration had a responsibility to provide immediate relief without compromising the future of younger generations.

“As President, I have a duty to provide relief today without compromising our children’s future,” he said.

The President also called on political leaders seeking public office to explain the financial implications of their campaign promises, including how the proposals would be funded and sustained.

“Anyone seeking to lead Nigeria should be prepared to explain what their promises will cost, how they will deliver them, and whether they can sustain them,” he said.

Tinubu said feedback from beneficiaries identified as Blessing, Ada, Abigail and Kabir had encouraged him, while a request from Emmanuel underscored the need to extend the transportation initiatives to more communities.

“Our responsibility is to keep expanding access until affordable transportation becomes a reality for more communities across our country,” he said.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working with state governments to widen access to affordable transportation across the country.