In Ogun State, transport union leaders have pledged to collaborate with the state government to manage the impact of rising fuel prices on transportation fares.
The commitment emerged from a meeting held on Monday between Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun and the union leaders.
Alhaji Akeem Bodunrin, Chairman of the Ogun State Park Management Scheme (OGSPAM), addressed reporters at Panseke Motor Park in Abeokuta South Local Government.
He assured that the unions will support Governor Abiodun’s efforts to prevent exorbitant fare increases.
“We are committed to working with Governor Abiodun to ensure that transportation costs do not place an undue burden on the people of Ogun State,” Bodunrin stated.
He also mentioned that the union has refrained from raising the cost of union tickets, hoping that the introduction of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses and e-bikes will eventually reduce fuel costs.
Alhaji Bodunrin added, “We have spoken with our drivers and union members about maintaining reasonable transport fares. Although the cost of fuel remains high, we are optimistic that the new CNG buses and e-bikes will alleviate some of these pressures.”
Alhaji Mustapha Ismail, State Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), urged the public to be patient with the federal government and expressed confidence in future improvements.
“The forthcoming delivery of 100 CNG-enabled buses from the state government and another 20 from the Federal Government will significantly reduce transportation costs,” Ismail noted.
He praised Governor Abiodun’s initiatives, including the introduction of CNG buses and e-mobility bikes.
Alhaji Titilayo Akibu, State Chairman of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), commended the Governor for advancing the transport sector through the introduction of CNG buses and e-bikes.
“Once we start using these CNG buses, we anticipate a substantial decrease in transportation costs,” Akibu said.
Alhaji Samsudeen, National President of the Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Owners Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN), supported the Governor’s vision and expressed hope that economic policies under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will help reduce the costs of fuel and transportation equipment.
“We believe that the President’s economic policies will eventually lower the prices of motorcycles and tricycles,” Samsudeen stated.
Otunba Taofeek Sokoya, State Chairman of the Articulate Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria (AMORAN), highlighted the positive impact of e-bikes on transportation fare structures.
He called on businesses to support the government by offering fair pricing. “Our members are loyal, and we are committed to helping our Governor succeed. We urge traders and the public to adopt a friendly price regime,” Sokoya said, noting that the union has already sold about 55 of the e-bikes provided by the state government.
