Tricycle, Motorcycle Riders Threaten Nationwide Protest Over Unfulfilled CNG Promise

The National Commercial Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association (NATOMORAS) has issued a strong warning to the Federal Government, demanding fulfillment of the promise to provide 2,000 CNG-powered tricycles. Failure to act, they say, will result in a nationwide peaceful protest.

At a press conference in Abuja, NATOMORAS President Usman Gwoza voiced frustration over the Tinubu administration’s silence, despite the association’s massive grassroots support during the 2023 elections. Gwoza claimed the association, which has over 18 million members, mobilized heavily for the APC and even suffered injuries and losses while rallying support during campaign events.

“We worked for this government without collecting a dime,” Gwoza said. “Now we feel used, dumped, and betrayed.”

He highlighted the group’s active participation in campaign rallies, their role in creating the APC’s Directorate of Community Transport, and their involvement in stakeholder meetings for the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) transition program — all self-sponsored.

Gwoza said the Minister of State had publicly announced in October 2024 that 2,000 CNG tricycles had been delivered to NATOMORAS, but as of now, not even a single unit has been received.

He lamented repeated unanswered letters to both President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima and criticized the continued neglect of their contributions and promises, including federal appointments, financial support, and empowerment programs.

Despite growing anger among members, Gwoza stressed that any protest would be non-violent but fueled by deep disappointment. “We are not asking for charity,” he said. “We are asking for the fulfillment of promises we earned.”

He closed with a direct plea to the nation’s leaders:

“We are workers and breadwinners who stood for this government. Now, we are only asking it to stand for us.”