Frustration is mounting among commercial tricycle operators across Nigeria as the federal government faces backlash over its unfulfilled promise to distribute Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered tricycles — a key component of its post-subsidy palliative measures.
Operators under various transport unions have threatened nationwide protests, accusing the government of abandoning the CNG initiative that was announced last year as a cost-effective alternative to petrol-powered vehicles following the removal of fuel subsidies.
In interviews conducted in Lagos, Kano, and Abuja, riders expressed anger over rising fuel costs and lack of access to the promised CNG tricycles, which they say are crucial to sustaining their livelihoods.
“We were told thousands of CNG tricycles would be distributed to help cushion the effect of subsidy removal. Almost a year later, we haven’t seen anything,” said Musa Lawal, a tricycle operator in Kano. “The suffering is getting worse, and we’re ready to hit the streets if nothing is done.”
National leaders of the Tricycle Riders Union say they have made repeated efforts to engage with officials from the Ministry of Transportation and the Presidential CNG Initiative Office, but have received no concrete timelines or explanations for the delay.
The federal government had announced the rollout of 2,500 CNG-powered tricycles in the first phase of its clean energy transport plan, aimed at lowering operational costs for commercial transport workers and reducing carbon emissions. However, implementation has stalled amid reported logistical challenges and funding delays.
Transportation Ministry officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, acknowledged setbacks in procurement and infrastructure readiness, but urged riders to exercise patience as efforts are being made to expedite delivery.
Labour groups and civil society organizations have begun lending their voice to the riders’ demands, calling for transparency and accountability in the disbursement of palliative measures.
