Abuja: The Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles has mandated all scheme operators to maintain reduced transport fares nationwide, reinforcing its commitment to affordable mobility.
Mr Ismaeel Ahmed, Executive Chairman of Pi-CNG and EV, addressed these concerns during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday.
Ahmed spoke amid growing passenger concerns in the Federal Capital Territory about transport fares charged by CNG-powered vehicles. Specifically, airport taxis and commercial buses operating under the initiative were not complying with approved fare structures, prompting further scrutiny.
As these fare compliance issues unfolded, commuters also questioned the initiative’s monitoring efforts and its ability to enforce compliance among participating operators across the territory.
In direct response to these rising questions about oversight, Ahmed said all operators participating in the programme signed agreements to maintain reduced transport pricing.
“There is an existing agreement with all operators signed up with us to maintain reduced pricing structures,” he said.
He explained that the initiative had deployed monitoring personnel and created reporting channels for passengers to submit complaints.
He admitted that enforcing rules remained difficult in some areas, especially when monitoring officials did not cover certain transport routes.
“Once our officials leave, operators increase their prices; when our officials are present, they keep prices reduced.”
Turning to the national picture, Ahmed added that similar compliance challenges existed in other parts of Nigeria.
According to him, the initiative investigated and addressed verified commuter complaints through its monitoring mechanisms.
Despite these actions, Ahmed acknowledged that manpower limitations continue to hamper enforcement and routine oversight operations.
He said the initiative was working with strategic partners to improve route coverage and drive compliance across major transport corridors.
Continuing the discussion on improvements, Ahmed disclosed that expansion efforts were ongoing on routes, including the Kubwa route, to improve service delivery and fare compliance. The media, he noted, is expected to support public awareness and monitoring efforts surrounding the programme.
He reiterated the media’s vital role in supporting these efforts.