Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has announced a major new initiative designed to support the state’s transport sector in response to recent increases in fuel prices. This comprehensive plan aims to ease the financial strain on local transport operators and ensure fair transportation costs for the public.
In a recent meeting with leaders from various transport unions, Governor Abiodun unveiled plans to introduce 100 brand-new 18-seater Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses. These buses are intended for use by local transport operators, helping to mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices.
By switching to CNG, which is typically cheaper and more environmentally friendly than conventional fuels, the initiative aims to reduce operating costs for transporters and provide more affordable transportation options for the public.
The Federal Government will also play a significant role in this initiative. Within the week, Ogun State will receive 20 additional CNG buses and 500 CNG conversion kits.
This support is part of the broader Presidential CNG initiative and the Energy Transition Program, which are designed to promote the use of cleaner energy sources and support energy sustainability.
Governor Abiodun further explained that the new buses will be Toyota Hiace models and will be made available to transporters under a flexible purchase agreement. This plan allows operators to pay for the buses in installments, making them more accessible and easing the financial burden.
The Governor emphasized the importance of responsible use of these new buses and expressed confidence in the commitment of the transport unions to ensure they are used effectively.
An enforcement committee will be established to oversee the implementation of this initiative. The committee will include representatives from the State Police, the Department of State Security Service (DSS), the Traffic Compliance Agency (TRACE), and various transport unions and relevant ministries.
This oversight body will be responsible for ensuring that the new measures are properly executed and that the benefits of the initiative are realized.
Governor Abiodun also addressed the issue of transport fare adjustments, noting that recent increases in fuel prices should not lead to excessive fare hikes.
He called for a balanced approach to fare adjustments, stressing the need for fair and proportional changes that reflect the increase in fuel costs without placing undue financial strain on passengers. The Governor highlighted the importance of dialogue and cooperation to ensure that fare increases remain reasonable and do not reach the extreme levels seen in the past.
In addition to these measures, the state government is preparing to convert existing vehicles to use CNG. Ogun State is set to become a major center for vehicle conversions in the Southwest region. The conversion kits are expected to arrive within five days, marking the start of this critical transition.
Through this comprehensive approach, the Ogun State Government aims to address the challenges posed by fluctuating fuel prices and promote a more stable, affordable, and environmentally friendly transportation system.
