Ekiti Deploys 15 CNG Buses, Targets 50% Cut in Transport Fares
The Ekiti State Government has begun deploying Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses as part of efforts to reduce transportation costs for residents, with the government targeting a 50 per cent reduction in fares. The initiative is part of the state’s response to the Federal Government’s directive on cheaper public transportation.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji flagged off the deployment of 15 CNG buses on Thursday at the Ekiti State Transportation Agency premises in Ado-Ekiti. The event coincided with Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary and Ekiti State’s 30th anniversary.
Oyebanji said the 15 buses, provided to the state by the Federal Government, represented the pilot phase of the programme. He said the fleet would be expanded to allow more residents to benefit from the transportation intervention.
The governor said reducing transport fares was important in easing the economic pressure on residents. He urged transport unions managing the buses to ensure that the savings from CNG were reflected in the fares paid by commuters.
“The President charged all state Governors that by October first, we should find a way of reducing transportation cost,” Oyebanji said, adding that the initial 15 buses would be distributed to transport unions while the state transportation agency would oversee the programme.
Oyebanji also thanked President Bola Tinubu for the Federal Government’s support, saying the provision of the buses would help the state implement measures aimed at reducing transportation costs. His comments reflect the administration’s position on the expected impact of the CNG initiative.
The Director-General of the Ekiti State Transportation Agency, Tajudeen Akingbolu, said routes had already been mapped out for the buses. He said they would operate on routes connecting Ado-Ekiti with Lagos, Ibadan, Onitsha and Abuja.
The Ekiti deployment comes amid a wider national push to reduce transportation costs through CNG-powered and other alternative-energy buses. However, reports show that implementation has varied across states, with some commuters yet to experience significant fare reductions since the October 1 target.