Artisans Urge CNG Operators to Lower Fares, Endorse Tinubu for 2027
The Coalition of Nigerian Artisan Associations (CONAA) has urged commercial transport operators using Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles to set fares below those charged by petrol-powered vehicles, arguing that the cost savings from gas should be passed on to passengers. The group also endorsed President Bola Tinubu for re-election ahead of the 2027 general elections.
CONAA Director-General Chief Segun Ajibulu made the call at a press conference in Lagos themed “2027 Elections: The Role of Artisans in Electoral Politics.” He criticised CNG operators who charge fares comparable to those of petrol-powered vehicles, describing the practice as dishonest.
“There is no way those using CNG should be charging the same amount as those using petroleum,” Ajibulu said. “The problem we have in this country is dishonesty.”
He urged Nigerians to remain patient with the Tinubu administration, expressing confidence that economic prosperity would follow the current 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 not only for Nigeria but also for Africa and the international community, given the country’s population and continental influence. 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 decades.
He cited 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 activity and create opportunities for artisans.
Ajibulu urged artisans to participate actively in electoral politics and to assess the administration’s record ahead of the polls.
Meanwhile, Comrade Samuel Odewale, President of the Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association (NATA), represented by Comrade David Ajetunmobi, explained that some CNG operators maintain high fares because they are 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.