The Ekiti State Government has initiated a plan to reduce transport fares by 50% across the state by deploying Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses. This move aims to alleviate the financial burden of transportation on residents. The introduction of these buses coincides with Nigeria's Independence Day and the 30th anniversary of Ekiti state's creation. The state governor, Biodun Oyebanji, highlighted that this development is a significant step towards achieving affordable and accessible public transportation.
Governor Oyebanji officially flagged off 15 CNG buses donated by the federal government at the Ekiti State Transportation Agency premises in Ado Ekiti. The buses are part of the government's efforts to provide affordable and reliable interstate transportation. The governor was accompanied by Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, during the event. Oyebanji expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the intervention, emphasizing that the buses would substantially reduce the transportation burden on the people.
The CNG buses will operate on designated routes, including Ado Ekiti to Lagos, Ibadan, Onitsha, and Abuja. According to the Director-General of the Ekiti State Transportation Agency, Tajudeen Akingbolu, the initiative will provide residents with more affordable and reliable interstate transportation options. This development is expected to reduce the financial strain of high transport fares on residents.
Governor Oyebanji urged the drivers' union to ensure that the benefits of the CNG buses are passed on to commuters. He emphasized that the state government will continue to explore ways to alleviate the financial burden on citizens. The governor also inspected ongoing projects in different parts of the state, highlighting the government's commitment to improving the welfare of the people.
President Tinubu's economic policies have been praised by Governor Oyebanji, who noted that they provide more resources for states like Ekiti to execute programs and projects that directly impact the people. Oyebanji acknowledged the president's support, stating that it has enabled the state to translate its vision into tangible actions and benefits for the citizens.
The introduction of the CNG buses is a pilot project aimed at reducing transportation costs. Governor Oyebanji disclosed that President Tinubu had charged all state governors to find ways to reduce transportation costs by October 1. The Ekiti State Government plans to expand its fleet of CNG buses to better serve residents and achieve its goal of reducing transport fares by 50%.
The Ekiti State Government's efforts to reduce transport fares have been commended, with many expecting the initiative to have a positive impact on residents. The deployment of the CNG buses marks a significant step towards achieving affordable and accessible public transportation in the state. With the government's commitment to exploring ways to alleviate the financial burden on citizens, residents can expect further developments in the transportation sector.
Key points
- The Ekiti State Government has introduced 15 CNG buses to reduce transport fares by 50% across the state.
- The buses will operate on designated routes, including Ado Ekiti to Lagos, Ibadan, Onitsha, and Abuja.
- The initiative aims to provide residents with more affordable and reliable interstate transportation options.
