Ogun State Leads the Way with Gas-Powered Transport in Response to Fuel Subsidy Removal
In a strategic move aimed at alleviating the effects of the Federal Government’s decision to remove the fuel subsidy, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has taken the lead by introducing a gas-powered public transport system and other innovative measures. This forward-thinking approach demonstrates the state’s commitment to mitigating the impact on its residents.
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Governor Abiodun’s visionary approach was evident when he anticipated the removal of the fuel subsidy well ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s announcement and began implementing a data and science-driven strategy to address the situation. Abiodun recognized that the subsidy’s elimination was likely and decided to roll out gas-powered public transport as a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative.
Under this initiative, the state’s public buses were converted from using Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), a move that significantly reduces operational costs. The governor also introduced electric motorbikes and tricycles across the state as part of the comprehensive plan.
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Speaking on the initiative, Governor Abiodun stated, “If your transport cost is lower, your disposable income will be higher, and the standard of living will consequently be better.” This reflects the administration’s focus on improving the quality of life for its citizens.
The groundbreaking move became a reality this week when the governor rolled out 17 buses converted from PMS to CNG-run buses, making Ogun State the first in the country to achieve this feat. The implementation of this initiative is a result of a successful Public-Private sector partnership with Spiro, a company experienced in similar projects across West Africa.
As part of the plan, local mechanics were trained to conduct the conversions, and conversion stations were established in the state’s three senatorial districts to facilitate rapid conversion of commercial and public mass transit buses and vehicles. This initiative is expected to reduce transportation costs for goods and services and create job opportunities for thousands of technicians and mechanics in the state.
Some of the converted buses will be allocated to workers and students, while others will serve various high-traffic routes within the state, easing congestion and providing mass transportation options for Ogun residents.
Governor Abiodun’s commitment to foresight and planning is not new, as Ogun State has previously taken the lead in addressing critical issues, such as its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which earned recognition and special support from President Muhammadu Buhari. The current strategy is expected to ease the hardships caused by the fuel subsidy removal while creating job opportunities and reducing the cost of living for the people.
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In the coming weeks, the state government plans to launch its e-mobility program, which aims to replace all petrol-dependent motorcycles and tricycles with electric ones powered by rechargeable batteries, further cementing Ogun State’s commitment to innovative solutions and a brighter future for its residents.
With gas-powered buses now operating on the state’s roads and the positioning of fuelling stations along bus routes, the sustainability and success of this project are highly promising. The initiative not only saves costs but also benefits the environment, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.
As Ogun State pioneers this groundbreaking solution, the message is clear: planning and foresight are key to addressing challenges effectively and improving the lives of the people.
