Transport union leaders in Ogun State have promised to collaborate with the state government to minimise hike in fares, following the recent increase in the pump price of petrol.
The promise was the outcome of a meeting between Governor Dapo Abiodun and the union leaders, regarding the need to be humane in fixing fares.
The Chairman of Ogun State Park Management Scheme (OGSPAM), Alhaji Akeem Bodunrin, addressing reporters at Panseke Motor Park in Abeokuta South Local Government, said they would cooperate with Governor Abiodun on his desire to ensure citizens were not burdened by exorbitant fares due to the high cost of fuel.
He said OGSPAM had not increased the cost of union tickets, to make things easy for their members, adding that he was optimistic the cost of fuel would reduce with the emergence of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses and e-bikes.
“We came to speak with our drivers and union on how best to be humane in fixing fares, and we have seen that increment in transport fares isn’t much. No one has increased union tickets; the high cost of fuel is still the major issue. However, we promise to cooperate with our governor, Prince Abiodun, in his quest to make life meaningful for the citizens,” Bodunrin said.
The state Chairman of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Mustapha Ismail, implored Nigerians to be patient with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He said as a union, they would look after the welfare of their passengers.
Ismail noted that fares would reduce very soon with the expected release of 100 CNG-enabled buses by the state government and another 20 by the Federal Government next week.
He said: “Look at our governor; he has given us Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses and e-mobility bikes to help with the high cost of fuel. What determines fares are the distance and fuel consumption. By the time we take delivery of the 100 CNG-enabled buses promised by Governor Abiodun, our reliance on fuel will definitely reduce. We urge our people to be patient with us.”
The state Chairman of Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Alhaji Titilayo Akibu, praised Governor Abiodun for his strides in revolutionising transport sector with the introduction of CNG-enabled buses and e-bikes.
He said when the unions take ownership of the CNG buses, fares will reduce.
The National President of Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Owners Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN), Alhaji Samsudeen Apelogun, said they would support the vision and mission of Governor Abiodun.
