Ogun State Governor Abiodun Introduces Compressed Natural Gas Initiative to Tackle Transport Fares

In a bid to mitigate the impact of soaring transport fares in Ogun State, Governor Dapo Abiodun has announced a comprehensive initiative to make 100 brand new compressed natural gas (CNG) buses available to transporters in the state. The move aims to ease the burden of fuel price increases on commuters and curb the astronomical rise in fares.

The Governor made this announcement during a meeting with transport unions in Abeokuta, the state capital, where he emphasized the need for responsible pricing strategies to ensure that the burden of fuel price increases does not fall heavily on the masses. "We are making 100 brand new 18-seater buses available to our transport unions," Abiodun explained. "These buses will be brand buses, not no-name buses. We are talking about Toyota Hiace buses that we will give to you under a purchase agreement."

The state government has also partnered with the Federal Government’s Energy Transition Program through the Presidential CNG initiative to provide additional 20 buses and 500 CNG conversion kits for the immediate conversion of vehicles to CNG-enabled. The first batch of conversion kits is expected to arrive in the next five days.

According to Governor Abiodun, there is no justification for transporters to increase fares by over 1000 percent when the price of petrol (PMS) was only increased by 30 percent. He urged transporters to remain responsible and consider the impact of fuel price increases on commuters, warning against exploiting the current situation to overcharge customers.

The Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Gbenga Dairo, also emphasized the need for responsible pricing, reminding transporters that fuel is only one component of their operational costs. He urged transporters to take steps to ensure that the people of the state are not overburdened.

Transport leaders, led by Prince Samsudeen Apelogun, National President of the Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Owners Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN), commended the Governor for revolutionizing the transport sector with the establishment of the Ministry of Transportation and the introduction of the E-mobility program. They pledged to work together to come up with a more friendly transport fare regime that is within their control.

As the government works to alleviate the challenges faced by transporters, it remains to be seen how this initiative will be received by the public. However, the introduction of CNG buses and conversion kits is expected to offer a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution to transportation, ultimately benefiting commuters in Ogun State.