Key Takeaways
- The Coalition of Nigerian Artisan Associations (CONAA) has urged CNG transport operators to significantly lower fares.
- CONAA criticized CNG operators for charging rates similar to petrol-powered vehicles, deeming it 'dishonest'.
- The association officially endorsed President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid for the 2027 general elections.
- CONAA called for patience with the current administration, expressing optimism for future economic prosperity.
- The Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association (NATA) explained high CNG fares are partly due to vehicle conversion loans and limited refuelling infrastructure.
The Coalition of Nigerian Artisan Associations (CONAA) has issued a strong appeal to commercial transport operators utilizing Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles, urging them to implement fare reductions that fall below those charged by traditional petrol-powered vehicles. This call comes as the association simultaneously declared its unequivocal support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Chief Segun Ajibulu, the Director-General of CONAA, articulated this position during a press conference held in Lagos on Tuesday. The event, themed '2027 Elections: The Role of Artisans in Electoral Politics,' served as a platform for Ajibulu to voice the artisans' concerns and political stance.
Ajibulu specifically criticized CNG-powered transport operators who continue to charge fares comparable to their petrol counterparts. He described this practice as 'dishonest,' emphasizing that it fails to reflect the inherent cost benefits associated with using gas as a fuel source. “There is no way those who are using CNG should be charging the same amount as those who are using petroleum. The problem we have in this country is dishonesty,” he stated emphatically.
Despite the current economic challenges, Ajibulu urged Nigerians to exercise patience with the Tinubu administration. He expressed strong optimism that the nation would soon begin to experience significant economic prosperity, following a period of difficult but necessary reforms. “We are entering the time of prosperity; we have already paid the price. Let’s give it another year,” he added, appealing for continued public understanding.
Highlighting the significance of the upcoming 2027 elections, Ajibulu underscored Nigeria’s pivotal role in Africa and the international community, attributing this to the country’s substantial population and strategic continental position. While acknowledging persistent national challenges such as corruption, terrorism, poverty, unemployment, and inadequate housing, he contended that the current administration requires more time to effectively address problems that have accumulated over several decades.
CONAA's endorsement of President Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima is rooted in several perceived government efforts. Ajibulu cited ongoing initiatives to tackle insecurity, support for the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), moves towards establishing state policing, improved oil revenue remittances, and substantial investments in major road projects. He specifically highlighted ambitious infrastructure developments like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and proposed Lagos-Sokoto and Calabar-Enugu highway projects, asserting that such infrastructure could significantly stimulate economic activities and create numerous opportunities for artisans across the country.
In a call to action, Ajibulu encouraged artisans to actively participate in electoral politics and to thoroughly assess the administration’s performance record in the lead-up to the polls. This engagement, he suggested, is crucial for shaping Nigeria's future.
However, a counter-perspective emerged from the Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association (NATA). Comrade Samuel Odewale, President of NATA, represented by Comrade David Ajetunmobi, explained that some CNG operators maintain high fares primarily because they are repaying loans obtained to convert their vehicles to gas. “Some of the drivers borrowed loans and they want to pay, and also there are not many stations,” Ajetunmobi noted, also citing the limited CNG refuelling infrastructure as another significant challenge faced by operators.
Why This Matters
This development underscores the complex interplay between government policy, economic realities, and public expectations in Nigeria's post-subsidy era. CONAA's dual stance—advocating for consumer relief through lower CNG fares while endorsing the incumbent administration—highlights the delicate balance political groups navigate, reflecting both immediate economic pressures and long-term political calculations.