Artisans urge CNG operators to cut fares

The Coalition of Nigerian Artisan Associations (CONAA) has urged commercial transport operators using Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles to reduce fares below those charged by petrol-powered vehicles, while declaring support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Director-General of CONAA, Chief Segun Ajibulu, made the call on Tuesday at a press conference in Lagos themed, “2027 Elections: The Role of Artisans in Electoral Politics.”

Ajibulu criticised CNG-powered transport operators who charge fares similar to those of petrol-powered vehicles, describing the practice as dishonest and urging them to reflect the potential cost benefits of using gas.

“There is no way those who are using CNG should be charging the same amount as those who are using petroleum. The problem we have in this country is dishonesty,” he said

He, however, urged Nigerians to exercise patience with the Tinubu administration, expressing optimism that the country would begin to experience economic prosperity after enduring difficult reforms.

“We are entering the time of prosperity; we have already paid the price. Let’s give it another year,” he said.

Ajibulu said the 2027 elections would be significant for Nigeria, Africa and the international community, given the country’s population and position on the continent.

He acknowledged persistent challenges, including corruption, terrorism, poverty, unemployment and inadequate housing, but argued that the administration needed more time to address problems accumulated over several decades.

He cited government efforts to tackle insecurity, support for the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), moves towards state policing, improved oil revenue remittances and investments in major road projects as reasons for CONAA’s endorsement of Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima.

He also highlighted the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and proposed Lagos-Sokoto and Calabar-Enugu highway projects, saying infrastructure development could stimulate economic activities and create opportunities for artisans.

Ajibulu urged artisans to participate actively in electoral politics and assess the administration’s record ahead of the polls.

Meanwhile, the President of the Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association (NATA), Comrade Samuel Odewale, represented by Comrade David Ajetunmobi, explained that some CNG operators maintained high fares because they were repaying loans obtained to convert their vehicles.

“Some of the drivers borrowed loans and they want to pay, and also there are not many stations,” he said, citing limited CNG refuelling infrastructure as another challenge facing operators.