In response to rising fuel prices and mounting concerns over transport costs, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has announced the release of 100 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to local transport unions. The initiative, which aims to mitigate the impact of the recent fuel price hike, was unveiled during a strategic meeting with transport union leaders in the state on Monday.
Governor Abiodun, represented by his Chief Press Secretary, Lekan Adeniran, emphasized the administration’s commitment to providing affordable transportation options for Ogun State residents during this growing fuel crisis. The 100 brand new 18-seater buses, all powered by CNG, will be made available under a structured purchase agreement with transport unions, allowing operators to pay in instalments.
“We are talking about Toyota Hiace buses that we will give to you under a purchase agreement. You can pay in instalments over a period of time. We believe in your commitment and are confident that you will utilize these buses responsibly and pay back on time,” Governor Abiodun stated, as quoted by Adeniran.
This initiative comes in response to fuel price increases that have led to significant hikes in transportation fares over the last 16 months. The governor expressed concerns over these disproportionate fare hikes and urged transporters to be considerate with transport fares.
In addition to the state’s efforts, the Federal Government is set to support Ogun State’s transportation infrastructure with 20 additional CNG-enabled buses and 500 conversion kits to modify existing vehicles to run on the more affordable and environmentally friendly CNG.
To ensure the program’s smooth execution and to maintain reasonable transportation fares, Governor Abiodun also announced the establishment of an enforcement committee. The committee will include key stakeholders such as the Commissioner of Police, representatives from the Department of State Services (DSS), the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), and leaders from transport unions. This coalition, along with officials from the Ministries of Transportation and Trade and Investment, will oversee compliance and ensure transporters adhere to fair pricing structures.
Governor Abiodun reiterated the state government’s commitment to cushioning the effects of the fuel hike on ordinary citizens. He reassured Ogun State residents that both the state and federal governments are working towards implementing sustainable solutions that will minimize the effect of the fuel hike.
The rollout of the CNG buses marks a significant step toward reducing transportation costs and easing the financial burden on both transporters and passengers across the state
