In an effort to alleviate the burden of rising fuel costs, Ogun State has launched a new fleet of buses powered by compressed natural gas (CNG).
Governor Dapo Abiodun inaugurated the CNG mass transit buses on Monday at an event in Abeokuta. He said the initiative aims to “provide the needed relief to the people” in light of the federal government’s recent removal of fuel subsidies.
Abiodun acknowledged that “we are all going through a very trying period” with increased fuel prices. Ogun has already implemented transport and allowance increases for state workers after the subsidy ended.
The new CNG buses will provide more affordable public transportation as an alternative to costly petrol and diesel vehicles. Abiodun stated his administration will continue pursuing solutions to ease economic pressures on Ogun residents.
Ogun is one of the first Nigerian states to switch to CNG-powered buses. The cleaner fuel is domestically produced in Nigeria and expected to buffer against international price shocks.
Abiodun said at the launch that his government “will leave no stone unturned” in cushioning the impact of the federal subsidy removal. The new CNG fleet is part of those efforts to provide relief to Ogun citizens.
“I will continue to lead from the front in our quest to build a better future together for all of us. Our resolve to the implementation of our ISEYA agenda is unwavering. The CNG conversion success is just the beginning, as we will soon be back here at this same venue to launch our mobility programme, launching our electric okadas and tricycles.
“About a year ago, we strategically and proactively formulated our Ogun State Energy Transition policy and what you are witnessing today is which commencement of the implementation by deploying the use of CNG-fueled mass transit buses and our e-mobility for motorcycles and tricycles. These are better, cheaper, cleaner, and more sustainable means of transportation in our dear state.
“This initiative clearly anticipated the deregulation of the downstream sector and fuel subsidy removal whilst deploying alternative means of running our public transportation with cost-effectiveness and environmental friendliness.”
Abiodun, while noting that the government has set up a gas refilling station in Obada Oko, Ewekoro Local Government Area of the state, added that it is providing the required infrastructure across the state to support the buses, particularly gas refuelling stations along the routes and terminals.
