Sokoto expands fleet and converts buses to CNG

While the removal of fuel subsidies by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration was seen as necessary to address the fiscal burden of the subsidy regime, the policy remained controversial, with critics questioning its timing and the adequacy of the measures to protect vulnerable Nigerians. Its removal, however, has imposed significant inconvenience on the population, increasing transport fares and the cost of essential goods and services. Given Nigeria’s heavy dependence on road transport for the movement of people and goods, the effects have been felt on families and businesses. The controversy underlined the difficult balance between reducing public spending and protecting the population from the consequences of economic reforms. The situation, however, has made it imperative for government at all levels to introduce measures to mitigate the impact, particularly on low-income families whose livelihoods and daily activities rely heavily on road transport.

The Sokoto state government, led by Governor Ahmed Aliyu, responded with interventions aimed at easing the burden on commuters. Among other measures, the government has acquired vehicles and made them available to private operators at subsidized rates. It also introduced initiatives to provide affordable transport, especially for women and other vulnerable groups. Recognizing the transportation needs of riverine communities, the government has also invested in the acquisition of vessels to improve water transportation and facilitate mobility in areas where waterways are an important means of movement.

Over the past three years, these interventions have evolved beyond an immediate response to the difficulties caused by the elimination of fuel subsidies. Through the Sokoto State Transport Authority (SSTA), the administration has pursued a broader program of fleet expansion, subsidized fares and other measures to reduce the cost of operating public transport services. The ongoing conversion of its vehicles from gasoline to compressed natural gas (CNG) represents another important milestone in this effort.

The transition to CNG is particularly relevant as transportation operators look for ways to cope with rising fuel costs. Against the backdrop of rising petrol prices and the federal government’s promotion of gas-powered vehicles as a cheaper alternative, Sokoto State has begun converting its transport fleet to run on natural gas.

According to SSTA Director General, Alhaji Ibrahim Muhammad, the authority, acting on the directive of Governor Aliyu, is pursuing an aggressive transition from petrol vehicles to CNG to reduce operating costs and improve the sustainability of its services. The initiative is designed to reduce the authority’s exposure to gasoline price fluctuations and lower fuel spending.

By reducing fuel costs, the state government hopes to create more space for the SSTA to maintain affordable fares, attract more passengers and generate enough revenue to support its operations. Without adequate passenger support, even a publicly owned transport service would struggle to remain viable. The transition therefore reflects a broader effort to adapt Sokoto State’s public transport system to the economic realities created by the elimination of fuel subsidies, while balancing the need to keep fares affordable for commuters with the long-term sustainability of mass transit services.

The program began with SSTA’s Iyaye Mata vehicles, which provide transportation services tailored to women’s needs. Since then, the authority has completed the conversion of additional vehicles to CNG and used them for operations. It intends to extend the program to the remaining vehicles in its fleet, progressively expanding the use of natural gas across its operations. Once implementation is complete, the initiative is expected to help the SSTA manage its operating costs more effectively and strengthen its ability to provide reliable transportation services.

For Governor Aliyu, the significance of the initiative goes beyond changing the type of fuel used by the authority. It reflects the need to balance the commercial sustainability of public transport with its social responsibility. While the SSTA must generate sufficient revenue to support its operations, profitability is not the ultimate goal of a publicly owned transit service. Its primary responsibility is to serve the people, especially low-income people who depend on public transportation for their daily activities. The governor’s approach recognizes that the authority must remain financially sustainable without making its services prohibitive to the very people it was established to serve.

The government also considered the cost of conversion and the availability of methane refueling facilities. For the governor, a successful transition must be measured not only by the number of vehicles converted, but also by the savings achieved and the extent to which those savings will support affordable rates and reliable service.

In addition to the switch to natural gas, the state transportation authority has continued to expand its fleet. The administration had earlier purchased 40 buses to ease transportation challenges following the removal of fuel subsidy, followed by the commissioning of 30 more high-capacity buses by Governor Aliyu. The authority has now acquired 10 new 18-seater Hummer buses specifically to bolster interstate transportation. These investments aim to expand the availability of public transport and make travel within and outside Sokoto State more accessible.

The determination to support the authority’s ability to fund improvements in its services whilst reducing its reliance on further public funding is evident in the emphasis placed on efficient revenue collection and expenditure control. These principles are especially important as SSTA invests in fleet acquisitions, vehicle conversions and improvements to its operating systems. It introduced an electronic ticketing platform to improve ticket collection and strengthen revenue accountability. Digital ticketing is expected to reduce the risks associated with cash transactions, make it easier to monitor ticket collection, and provide management with useful information on passenger demand and route usage. For commuters, the system also aims to make paying for tickets more convenient.

Another distinctive feature of Sokoto’s public transport program is the priority given to women. Iyaye Mata buses were introduced to provide women with convenient transportation in a society where cultural and religious considerations influence mobility choices. By charging affordable fares, the service helps women who regularly travel to markets and health facilities manage transportation costs and reduce the financial burden on their families.

Before the advent of the current administration, commuters in Sokoto State relied heavily on an informal transport network comprising buses, tricycles and other operators. Passengers faced unpredictable services and difficulties ensuring reliable transportation. Governor Aliyu’s investments have sought to improve this experience by expanding the availability of organized public transport. As expected, the switch to CNG could deliver lasting savings that would give the authority more leeway to maintain affordable rates.

Governor Aliyu’s interventions reflect his commitment to improving people’s lives through practical measures that address their daily needs. By investing in the capacity and modernization of the SSTA, his administration is seeking to build a transportation system that is financially sustainable while remaining responsive to the needs of commuters.

Ultimately, the success of these efforts will be measured not simply by the number of buses purchased or vehicles converted to natural gas, but by the reliability of the services provided and the extent to which operational savings help keep transportation affordable. A public transport system that combines financial discipline with reliable services can support the well-being of families, facilitate economic activity and make the benefits of governance more tangible in the daily lives of the people of Sokoto State.
…Ali writes from Sokoto