Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has announced that his administration will provide 100 brand new 18-seater Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses for transport operators in the state.
During a meeting at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, the governor also revealed that the federal government plans to supply 20 CNG-enabled buses and 500 conversion kits to the state government within the week.
This announcement came during a discussion with transport unions aimed at establishing fair transportation pricing in Ogun State.
Abiodun introduced an enforcement committee that will include the State Police Commissioner, the head of the Department of State Security Service (DSS), representatives from the Traffic Compliance Agency (TRACE), transport union leaders, and officials from the Ministries of Transportation and Trade and Investment.
The governor explained that the meeting was prompted by recent events, including a fuel scarcity that is beginning to ease, which has led to an increase in fuel prices.
He pointed out that transport fares tend to rise significantly whenever there is even a minor adjustment in fuel prices.
Abiodun assured attendees that the federal government, under President Bola Tinubu, is aware of the effects of the recent fuel price hike and is implementing measures to mitigate its impact on citizens.
He stated, “Our plans as a state government include making 100 brand new 18-seater CNG buses available to our transport unions. These will be high-quality Toyota Hiace buses provided under a purchase agreement, allowing for installment payments over time. We trust that you will use these buses responsibly and repay promptly, given your demonstrated commitment.”
He further confirmed that the federal government has initiated an Energy Transition Programme through the Presidential CNG initiative, which will provide Ogun State with 20 CNG buses next week, along with 500 CNG conversion kits for immediate vehicle conversions.
“I have been assured that the first batch of 500 conversion kits will arrive within the next five days. Ogun State is a key conversion center for the Southwest, and we will begin converting vehicles based on a scheduled agreement regarding which vehicles will be prioritized,” he added.
