Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun announced the introduction of 100 new 18-seater Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to aid transporters amid rising socioeconomic challenges. Speaking in Abeokuta, Abiodun emphasized the state’s commitment to alleviating the impact of increased transport fares, which have driven up the cost of essential goods.
During a meeting with transport unions, Abiodun highlighted the recent fuel scarcity and its subsequent price hikes as major contributors to the fare increase. “The federal government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is not unmindful of the impact of the recent hike in the pump price, adding that the government is putting in place measures to lessen the impact on the people,” he stated.
The governor outlined that the state would provide 100 brand new Toyota Hiace CNG buses under a purchase agreement, allowing transporters to pay in installments. He reassured that these buses, sourced from reputable manufacturers, would support responsible transportation practices.
Additionally, the Federal Government’s Energy Transition Program will contribute 20 CNG buses to Ogun State and 500 CNG conversion kits for vehicle upgrades. “The conversion kits, which are the first batch of 500, will reach us in the next five days,” Abiodun said, noting that Ogun State’s conversion center will handle the upgrades.
Abiodun criticized the excessive fare hikes that followed fuel price adjustments, stating, “When there is a change in pump prices by maybe 10%, our transporters increase fares by 2000%, which is unacceptable. The price change is about 25% or 30%, so transport fares should not exceed this percentage.”
Transport Commissioner Engr. Gbenga Dairo urged transporters to consider fuel as just one aspect of their costs and avoid overburdening the public. State Police Commissioner Abiodun Alamutu also called for reasonable fare adjustments.
In response, Prince Samsudeen Apelogun, National President of the Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Owners Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN), commended the governor’s initiatives and pledged to work with stakeholders to set fair transport fares.
