Kaduna State’s free Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) bus service has conveyed more than 1.4 million passengers across four major routes between July and November 2025, saving commuters an estimated ₦1.39 billion in transport fares, fresh government data has shown.
Speaking during a media engagement in Kaduna on Thursday, Commissioner for Information, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, said the figures were part of an impact assessment conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the free-ride policy introduced by Governor Uba Sani.
He noted that public uptake of the scheme had “far exceeded initial projections,” underscoring its growing importance to low and middle-income households.
Maiyaki said the initiative, initially rolled out for civil servants and students, was later expanded to accommodate all categories of commuters along the designated routes. “From July 7 to the end of November, the buses have moved an impressive number of our people at zero cost,” he said.
According to the assessment, the service transported 683,650 passengers in Q3 2025 covering July, August and September equivalent to a fare value of ₦738.8 million saved by residents. Ridership surged in October and November with 626,710 passengers recorded, translating to another ₦667.2 million in avoided fares. October alone accounted for 339,530 riders following the reopening of schools and increased intra-city movement.
“In total, Kaduna residents relying on the four routes have saved ₦1.39 billion in just five months,” the commissioner stated, adding that the figures reaffirm Governor Uba Sani’s commitment to easing economic hardship across households.
He said the service currently operates through 200 bus stops in Kaduna, Zaria and Kafanchan, with 30 CNG buses running daily from 7:00am to 6:00pm. The major corridors include Tudun Wada–Kawo–Rigachikun, Rigachikun–Yakowa–Maraban Rido, Rigachikun–Kasuwa–Maraban Rido and Rigasa–NEPA Roundabout.
Maiyaki disclosed that the buses lift an average of 18,426 passengers daily, amounting to about 294,824 monthly. Each bus runs eight trips per day, a reflection of both high public demand and operational efficiency.
He further noted that the economic benefits of the scheme extend beyond free transportation. According to him, the initiative has helped stimulate microeconomic activity for small traders whose livelihoods had been disrupted in previous years. “Kaduna’s economy suffered when thousands of small operators were displaced. This intervention is gradually restoring mobility and livelihoods,” he said.
The commissioner added that despite offering free rides, operational data shows strong financial viability, with projections suggesting that the system could generate surplus revenue were fares to be reinstated.
He said the administration is examining long-term sustainability options while keeping citizens’ welfare paramount.
Maiyaki assured that the government remains committed to providing safe, clean and reliable public transportation, adding that updated ridership figures beyond November will be published as the buses continue to attract heavy patronage.
