States Struggle With CNG Fare Cuts as Public Workers Begin Three-Day Warning Strike
The Federal Government’s CNG transport initiative, a three-day warning strike by public workers, rising NNPC oil security claims, criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s prosperity claim and the cancellation of an Obi-Kwankwaso rally in Akwa Ibom are among the major stories making headlines this morning.
CNG Rollout: States Yet to Implement President Tinubu’s Low-Fare Directive
Despite President Bola Tinubu’s directive for transport fares to begin falling from October 1 through the deployment of CNG-powered buses, commuters in several states continue to pay existing or higher fares.
Findings by PUNCH Online showed that some transport unions had yet to receive CNG buses, while motorists cited inadequate refuelling facilities and conversion centres.
However, Presidential Initiative on CNG and Electric Vehicles Chairman Ismaeel Ahmed said some states had started reducing fares, stressing that October 1 marked the beginning of Federal Government monitoring rather than a deadline for simultaneous fare reductions nationwide.
Public service workers under the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council have commenced a three-day warning strike over what they described as worsening economic and mental hardship.
Public Workers Begin Three-Day Warning Strike
The strike began at midnight on Friday, October 2, and is scheduled to end on Sunday, October 4.
The workers are demanding measures including lower petrol prices, payment of a wage award and the commencement of negotiations for a new national minimum wage.
NNPC’s Oil Security Claims Rise to ₦11.2tn
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited recorded claims totalling ₦11.2 trillion from the Federation in 2025 for costs and advances incurred on its behalf, including expenses linked to securing oil and gas assets.
An analysis of NNPC’s 2025 audited accounts showed the figure was ₦4.07 trillion, or about 57 per cent, higher than the ₦7.13 trillion energy security expense recognised in 2024.
The accounts indicate that the ₦11.2 trillion represents energy security costs and other receivables from the Federation, rather than fresh cash expenditure incurred entirely in 2025.
Atiku Challenges President Tinubu’s Prosperity Claim
African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has challenged President Bola Tinubu’s claim that Nigeria has entered an era of prosperity.
Atiku argued that economic growth had not translated into improved living conditions for many Nigerians and criticised the administration’s handling of fuel subsidy removal, taxation and other economic reforms.
His comments followed President Tinubu’s Independence Day address, in which the President said the economy had grown by more than four per cent and that the government was shifting its focus towards “shared and widespread prosperity.”
NDC, Obidient Movement Protest Cancellation of Obi-Kwankwaso Rally
The Nigeria Democratic Congress and the Obidient Movement have expressed displeasure over the cancellation of a planned two-million-man march for Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The state police command directed political parties and groups to reschedule rallies and processions planned for October 1, citing security intelligence and concerns over its capacity to manage large crowds.
Obidient Movement State Director Benjamin Smith said organisers had reportedly spent more than ₦20 million mobilising supporters. He urged supporters to remain law-abiding and said a new date for the rally would be communicated.