Kaduna State’s free CNG bus service has transported over 1.4 million passengers across four major routes between July and November 2025, saving residents over N1.39 billion in transport fares, according to new data released by the state government on Thursday.
At a press conference in Kaduna on Thursday, the Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki, said the assessment was carried out to determine the real impact of the free-riding policy introduced by Governor Uba Sani, noting that the figures show strong acceptance that has far exceeded initial projections.
Maiyaki said the scheme, which began as an intervention aimed at state officials and students, was later expanded to accommodate all commuters moving along its designated routes, saying: “From July 7 to the end of November, buses have transported an impressive number of our people free of charge,” he said.
A breakdown of the assessment shows that in the third quarter of 2025, covering July, August and September, buses carried 683,650 passengers, representing the first wave of rider response to the state’s transportation subsidy. The estimated fare value of those trips was N738.8 million, representing direct savings to citizens.
Passenger numbers increased further in the following two months. Between October and November, the service recorded 626,710 passengers, equivalent to an avoided fare cost of N667.2 million. In October alone, 339,530 passengers were registered due to the reopening of schools and the increase in movements within the city.
“In total, Kaduna residents who rely on these four routes have saved N1.39 billion in just five months,” Maiyaki said, adding that the figures reaffirm the governor’s commitment to easing economic pressure on households.
He highlighted that the buses operate at 200 stops in Kaduna, Zaria and Kafanchan, with 30 CNG buses running daily from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. Routes include Tudun Wada – Kawo – Rigachikun, Rigachikun – Yakowa – Maraban Rido, Rigachikun – Kasuwa – Maraban Rido and Rigasa – NEPA Roundabout.
According to the Commissioner, the average daily passenger transport is 18,426 passengers, which translates into about 294,824 passengers per month. He added that each bus makes eight trips daily, reflecting both high demand and operational consistency.
Maiyaki said the economic benefits go beyond free rides. He argued that the plan has stimulated microeconomic activity, especially for small street traders who were previously displaced by past urban policies. “Kaduna’s economy suffered when thousands of small operators were driven out. This intervention is gradually restoring mobility and livelihoods,” he explained.
He also emphasized that Governor Uba Sani introduced the policy out of compassion, aware of the harsh national economic climate. “His Excellency is concerned about the well-being of everyone: public officials, students, market women and ordinary citizens who move daily to survive,” he told reporters.
Despite offering free rides, Maiyaki noted that the system has demonstrated strong financial viability, and projections indicate that the scheme could generate surplus revenue if fares were reintroduced in the future. He said the government will continue to evaluate sustainability options while keeping the well-being of citizens at the centre.
The commissioner assured that the administration remains committed to keeping public transportation safe, clean and reliable. He said updated figures on ridership after November will be released in due course as buses continue to witness heavy patronage.
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