The Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, has issued a stern warning to transporters in the state against exploiting the public through excessive fare hikes following the recent increase in fuel prices. Speaking at a meeting with transport unions held at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, the governor announced plans to provide 100 brand new 18-seater Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to cushion the effect of the fuel price hike and ensure fair transportation costs.

Governor Abiodun emphasized that the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is aware of the difficulties posed by the rise in fuel prices and is working to mitigate the impact on citizens. As part of these efforts, the Federal Government will provide 20 additional CNG buses and 500 CNG conversion kits to Ogun State, which will be delivered within the week.

“We are aware that any time there is a slight adjustment in the pump prices of fuel, there is always an astronomical rise in transport fares. The increase in transport fares often far exceeds the percentage rise in fuel prices, and we are meeting with you today to address this issue and ensure the people of Ogun State are not unnecessarily burdened,” the governor said.

Governor Abiodun also announced the formation of an enforcement committee, which will include the State Commissioner of Police, the Department of State Security Service (DSS), the Traffic Compliance Agency (TRACE), transport union leaders, and representatives from the Ministries of Transportation and Trade and Investment. The committee will oversee the implementation of fair transport fare policies and ensure compliance among transporters.

In addition to the state’s plans, Governor Abiodun emphasized that Ogun State is a key player in the Federal Government’s Energy Transition Program through the Presidential CNG initiative. The governor assured that the state is fully prepared to begin converting vehicles to CNG, as it hosts one of the major CNG conversion centers in the Southwest.

“The Federal Government has committed to sending 500 CNG conversion kits to Ogun State within five days. These kits will be used to convert vehicles to CNG-enabled at our conversion center. We will begin scheduling vehicles for conversion in an orderly manner,” Governor Abiodun stated.

He urged transporters to adjust their fares proportionately to the fuel price increase, noting that a 30% hike in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) should not result in fare increases of over 1000%. The governor’s call was echoed by the State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, who encouraged transporters to adopt a more reasonable fare regime.

In response, the National President of the Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Owners Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN), Samsudeen Apelogun, praised Governor Abiodun for transforming the transport sector through the establishment of the Ministry of Transportation and the introduction of the E-mobility program. Apelogun pledged to engage with transport stakeholders to develop a more affordable fare system for the people of Ogun State.

With the introduction of the new CNG-powered buses and the government’s continued efforts to support transporters, Governor Abiodun’s administration aims to ease the financial strain on the public and promote more sustainable transportation in the state.