Shuttlers Adds 20 CNG Buses to Fleet, Cuts Rider Costs by 29%
In a significant move toward sustainable urban mobility, Nigerian mobility startup Shuttlers has added 20 new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered buses to its fleet. The new vehicles, deployed in the first quarter of 2025, have already completed 1,484 trips in just three months, marking a strong start to the company’s transition toward cleaner energy alternatives.
“This move wasn’t just a decision—it was about making a real impact for us, our customers, and the environment,” said Damilola Olokesusi, CEO and Co-founder of Shuttlers, in a LinkedIn post announcing the milestone.
According to the company, the adoption of CNG has led to a 29% reduction in costs for riders and a measurable drop in carbon emissions across its service routes. The change comes at a time when fuel alternatives are gaining traction across Nigeria, following the federal government’s removal of fuel subsidies in 2023, which triggered a 200% increase in petrol prices.
Government Push for Nationwide CNG Adoption
The Nigerian government has responded to the fuel subsidy removal with aggressive efforts to promote Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a cheaper and cleaner alternative. Key initiatives include:
- A payment plan to help Nigerians convert petrol-powered vehicles to CNG
- The launch of a CNG-conversion app
- A promise to distribute 2,000 CNG-powered tricycles to young people working in the transport sector
These policies are part of a broader push to decarbonise the transport sector, lower consumer costs, and reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported petrol.
Riding the CNG Wave
CNG, which currently sells for around ₦230 per litre in Nigeria, is not only more cost-effective than petrol but also more efficient, offering longer mileage. This has made it an increasingly popular choice for both public and private transport providers.
The federal government has since embraced the shift, rolling out policies such as a CNG conversion financing scheme, a CNG conversion app, and plans to distribute 2,000 CNG-powered tricycles to young Nigerians working in the transport sector.
Despite these advances, safety concerns around converted CNG vehicles remain a barrier to widespread adoption. Several incidents involving CNG-related explosions have been reported, raising questions about safety standards and enforcement.
Olokesusi, however, addressed these concerns directly in her statement, noting that Shuttlers’ vehicles are equipped with fireproof CNG canisters and automatic fire extinguishers, which are designed to activate instantly in the rare event of a fire. She also highlighted the company’s investment in routine quality assessments and inspections to ensure the continued safety of its fleet.
A Growing Force in Nigerian Mobility
Since its launch in Lagos in 2016, Shuttlers has positioned itself as a modern, tech-enabled solution to Nigeria’s chaotic and informal transport system. The startup has raised $5.6 million in funding and expanded operations to multiple cities, becoming the preferred ride option for corporate commuters and large organisations.
The CNG transition aligns with Shuttlers’ broader mission of environmental sustainability, cost-efficiency, and innovation in shared mobility. With this latest development, the company continues to lead the charge in redefining how urban transport works in one of Africa’s most congested cities.
