Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, on Monday, inaugurated 17 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) mass transit buses in Abeokuta.
Speaking during the event, Mr Abiodun said introducing CNG mass transit buses in Nigeria would revolutionise the entire transport sector of the nation.
The governor noted that the development would reduce the hardship being experienced by Nigerians due to the recent removal of fuel subsidy by the federal government.
Mr Abiodun, while unveiling the first set of the CNG mass transit buses, pledged to extend the operation across the state.
He stated that the initiative was conceived before the fuel subsidy removal, adding that his administration was desirous of a cost-effective transportation system to mitigate the effect of climate change.
“As your governor, I am extremely delighted that we are able to commence the implementation of this laudable initiative, and I am bold to say that we have come tops again as the first state in the country to record this feat,” the governor said.
Mr Abiodun further explained that the initiative would reduce the cost of transporting goods and services and provide training and job opportunities for thousands of technicians and mechanics around the state.
He stated that some of the buses would be deployed on campuses to assist students while some would be assigned to transport the civil servants.
“Some will ply Kuto to Wole Soyinka train station in Laderin, some from Onikolobo to Idi-Aba corridor, while others will serve the Ita-Oshin-Adatan route.
“As we expand our fleet, we will also deploy buses to major towns and cities, starting with Sango-Ota, Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode, and this will provide mass transportation for our citizens, particularly our young students in the towns and cities,” he said.
Mr Abiodun appreciated President Bola Tinubu for the initiative, noting that the state government was following the direction of the federal government as a sub-national in executing the project.
(NAN)