CEM REPORT, ENERGY | With the removal of subsidy from petrol and the federal government’s interest in the development of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), the Ogun State government has moved to construct bus stations for its CNG Mass Transit scheme.
Ogun State Commissioner for Transportation, Engr Dairo Olugbenga
The construction which awaits implementation of necessary frameworks will be sited within the Mowe, Ibafo Arepo, and Berger axis of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.
According to the Ogun State Commissioner for Transportation, Engr Dairo Olugbenga, the CNG-powered mass transit buses would be deployed to the Lagos-Ibadan expressway corridor for cheaper and safer movement in advance of the construction of the bus stations.
Olugbenga noted that Ogun State’s urban transportation system hinges on four key pillars: robust infrastructure, strict compliance with laws, seamless operations, and effective price controls.
“We need to let our people know that there are four applicable and adopted ways to transportation, and that is infrastructure, which if you observe during our first tenure, the Governor has worked on bad roads in all the local government areas across the state and work is still ongoing.
“In addition to the aforementioned aspects, law enforcement will be instrumental in upholding the rules and regulations governing road usage, thereby fostering a secure and safe environment for all road users.”
“To streamline transportation operations in Ogun State, we are establishing a minimum fleet requirement of 10 to 30 buses for all transport operators. This measure will enhance the organization and oversight of passenger and cargo movement within the state.
“Existing operators will be encouraged to form cooperatives to facilitate this process. Additionally, the government is implementing price control measures to ensure affordable transportation options for Ogun residents.”
Recall that CEM reported on the Bola Ahmed Tinubu led administration’s desire to shit energy sources from petrol to compressed natural gas (CNG).
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Wale Edun, said the price of CNG is half the price of petrol. To this end, the federal government is investing in conversion kits, and refuelling stations, amongst others.
He noted that switching dependency to gas from fuel holds several benefits for the economy and will create more partnerships with the private sector.
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“We believe that given that we are a gas nation and gas is cleaner than PMS, if we aggressively move in that direction, it can have a significant impact on the cost of not only fueling our vehicles, but mass transit, as well as factories that run on fuel and diesel.
“A lot of investment needs to go into that. We believe that it provides an opportunity for the private sector to partner.”
