Kaduna State Government’s free Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered bus service has transported over 1.4 million passengers on the four major routes between July and November 2025, relieving citizens of approximately ₦1.39 billion.
State Commissioner for Information, Malam Ahmad Maiyaki, disclosed the statistics during a media briefing on Thursday, saying the impact assessment is a guarantee of the success of the policy. According to him, the policy, which is the brainchild of Governor Uba Sani, has enjoyed more patronage than what was initially projected.
Maiyaki said, “This progammme started with a specific subsidy targeted at serving civil servants and students, but it has been expanded to accommodate all commuters on the planned routes. All commuters along the planned routes are getting the service. From July 7 to the end of November, the buses have moved an impressive number of our people for free.”
Evaluation revealed that during Q3 2025, namely July to September, the number of passengers the buses ferried stood at 683,650, marking the first significant reaction to the campaign. The value of such avoided fares during the time was placed at ₦738.8 million.
Passenger traffic rose further in October and November, with 626,710 passengers carried, meaning a total of fare savings of ₦667.2 million. This is represented by 339,530 passengers in October, which is largely due to school resumption and intra-city movement.
“Overall, Kaduna commuters who utilize the four routes have been able to save ₦ 1.39 billion within five months,” Maiyaki said. According to Maiyaki, the buses operate on 200 bus stops serving Kaduna, Zaria, and Kafanchan, with 30 CNG buses operating between 7:00 am and 6:00 pm. Other important routes are Tudun Wada-Kawo-Rigachikun, Rigachikun-Yakowa-Maraban Rido, Rigachikun-K
The Commissioner further explained that the system maintains an average ridership record of 18,426 on a daily basis, and also 294,824 on a monthly basis, with each bus completing eight rides on a daily basis.
Maiyaki also explained the benefits, including the promotion of the economy by the free-ride policy, which has revived small-scale business activities, including for the roadside vendors who were affected by the changes brought about by the urban renewal program. “The Kaduna economy has been negatively affected by the displacement of thousands of small operators.
He emphasized that Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State implemented the policy due to compassion, recognizing the financial struggles citizens go through. “His Excellency is concerned about the welfare of all civil servants, students, market women, and citizens who go out every day to survive.”
Although it is free, the Commissioner explained that it has immense financial potential, and it has been indicated that if fares were charged, it could actually produce surplus finances. The government, said the Commissioner, will look into the sustainability aspect without affecting the welfare of the citizens. Maiyaki assured that the government is committed to ensuring that public transportation is safe, clean, and reliable. He said that new stats regarding December and beyond will soon be provided regarding the high turnout the buses are currently getting.
