For many people in Kaduna, the struggle is real. The cost of fuel has gone up. Transport fares have doubled. For students, pensioners, and government workers earning fixed incomes, daily commuting has become painful. The Kaduna state Free CNG Buses will make easier for the less privileged to commute without paying a dim.
But then, something changed. In a bold move, the Kaduna State Government launched a Free CNG Bus Program an initiative to provide (CNG)-powered buses for the most vulnerable groups. The Governor of Kaduna, Uba Sani, announced that the newly introduced CNG buses would be made free for students, civil servants, and pensioners for the next six months. This was announced during the inauguration of the CNG bus by president Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Kaduna.
This article breaks it all down for you:
- What the program is about
- Who benefits
- Where and how to access it
- Why it matters
- Real people’s stories
- FAQs and answers
Whether you’re a student, a parent, a worker, or someone interested in transportation policy, this article tells a story you can connect with.
What Is the Free CNG Bus Program?
The Kaduna State Government rolled out this initiative in 2024. The idea is simple:
“Make daily commuting easier for people who need it the most.”
This program offers free bus rides using buses that run on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) instead of petrol or diesel.
Why CNG?
- It’s cheaper to run
- It’s cleaner for the environment
- It helps the state save money
- It’s part of a nationwide shift to clean energy
Kaduna is the first state in Northern Nigeria to implement this large-scale CNG transport program.
Who Can Ride Kaduna state Free CNG Buses?
The program isn’t for everyone—only for specific groups:
1. Students
- Secondary school students (must be in uniform)
- Tertiary students with valid school ID
- Students of government-approved institutions in Kaduna
2. Civil Servants
- Only those working in the Kaduna State Government
- Must present a valid staff ID
- Covers teachers, ministry workers, secretariat staff, etc.
3. Pensioners
- Retired workers living in Kaduna
- Must have pension ID or verification slip
- Priority is given to elderly and physically challenged retirees
You don’t pay. You just show your ID and board the bus.
Where Are the Buses Located?
The buses operate along major routes in Kaduna state. The project is run by the Kaduna State Transport Authority (KSTA).
Here are some key routes and stops:
| Route | Pickup Points |
|---|---|
| Kawo – Sabon Tasha | Kawo, Independence Way, Central Market, Barnawa, Sabon Tasha |
| Rigasa – Ahmadu Bello Way | Rigasa Station, Mando, NDA Junction, Ahmadu Bello Way |
| Government Secretariat Route | State Secretariat, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Finance |
| School Line | Kaduna Poly, ABU Kongo Campus, College of Nursing, NTI |
When Do this CNG Buses Run?
Operations are scheduled for maximum coverage:
| Day | Morning Shift | Evening Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Monday – Friday | 6:30 AM – 10:00 AM | 3:30 PM – 7:00 PM |
| Saturday | Limited service | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | No operation |
How to Access the Kaduna state Free CNG Buses Ride
Right now, no formal online registration is needed. But that may change as the system expands.
Here’s how to get on board:
- Go to any approved bus stop along the route
- Present your ID to the driver/conductor
- Enter the bus—no payment needed
- Wait for the bus to fill up
- Enjoy your trip!
Important: Keep your ID card with you. If you can’t prove your eligibility, you may not be allowed to board.
Why This Kaduna state Free CNG Buses Ride Program Matters
The free CNG bus project is not just about saving money. It touches lives.
Economic Relief
Students save up to ₦1,500 per week. Pensioners can attend clinics without borrowing transport money. Workers arrive on time without stress.
Environmentally Friendly
CNG reduces emissions. Kaduna gets cleaner air. Less pollution means better public health.
Smart Innovation
Kaduna is showing what public service can look like in a tough economy practical, inclusive, and forward-thinking.
Real-Life Stories: Voices from Kaduna
Maryam, Student at Kaduna Polytechnic
“Before the free buses, I used ₦500 every day just to go and come back. Now I save that. It helps with food and books. I just show my ID and enter.”
Baba Usman, Retired Teacher
“I’m 73. I don’t have money like before. But now, I can visit my pension office or clinic without worrying. Thank you, Kaduna.”
Aisha, Government Worker
“My salary is the same but everything else is expensive. This free bus is not luxury—it’s survival for some of us.”
How This Can Inspire Other States
Kaduna is leading. But other states can follow.
Lagos, Kano, and Rivers are already exploring CNG transport systems. If they learn from Kaduna, millions of Nigerians could benefit.
Here’s what they need:
- CNG supply contracts
- Driver retraining programs
- Budget reallocation from fuel to clean energy
- Proper data collection for fair allocation
Frequently Asked Questions about Kaduna state Free CNG Buses
Is the free bus available every day?
Only on weekdays. Saturday has limited service. No service on Sunday.
Can federal civil servants ride?
No. Only Kaduna state government staff qualify for now.
What ID is acceptable?
School ID, staff ID, pension ID, or proof of registration.
Will the program expand to others?
Yes. Low-income earners may be included soon.
Can I board without an ID?
Maybe. But it’s risky. Drivers prefer to see proof to avoid overcrowding
Estimated Cost Savings
Let’s look at the impact in figures.
| Group | Daily Fare (Before) | Weekly Savings (Now) |
|---|---|---|
| Student | ₦400 – ₦700 | ₦2,000 – ₦3,500 |
| Civil Servant | ₦800 – ₦1,000 | ₦4,000 – ₦5,000 |
| Pensioner | ₦300 – ₦600 | ₦1,500 – ₦3,000 |
Final take
This isn’t just about free transport.
It’s about government listening to the people. It’s about solving problems with common sense and innovation. It’s about investing in systems that help the manynot just the few.
The Free CNG Bus Program in Kaduna is not perfect. But it’s a big step in the right direction.
If more states follow suit, Nigeria may just breathe easier both economically and literally.
