The Kwara State Government has officially launched the operation of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles, as part of efforts to provide affordable, reliable, and eco-friendly transportation for residents.
Speaking during the launch at the Ministry of Transportation Headquarters in Ilorin, the Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Lafia Aliyu Korasabi, said the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s transportation policy, which seeks to ease the financial burden of commuting on Nigerians.
He described the CNG initiative as a pilot programme introduced under the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aimed at improving public transportation across all 36 states and mitigating the economic challenges faced by daily commuters.
Highlighting the state’s commitment, the Commissioner noted the prompt deployment of 20 CNG buses, emphasizing Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s dedication to enhancing citizens’ quality of life through cost-effective transport solutions.
Hon. Korasabi appealed to transport union leaders across the state to embrace the development, assuring them that the initiative is not intended to replace existing systems but to complement them, offering commuters more choices and encouraging healthy competition in the sector.
He announced that the initial phase of the programme will see CNG buses operating in key locations, including Abuja, Lagos, Ibadan, and Niger State. Within Kwara, routes will cover areas such as Lafiagi, Kaiama, Patigi, Baruten, Moro, and the Malete campus axis.
Representing the Permanent Secretary, the Director of Personnel, Finance, and Supply at the Ministry, Mallam Tajudeen Onikoko, praised the Governor for fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. He urged transport unions to cooperate with CNG operators to ensure peaceful and effective implementation.
Also speaking, the State CNG Station Coordinator, Mr. Babatunde Gegele, revealed that the CNG station is located in Odota, Ilorin. He reiterated the initiative’s goal to fill the gap left by the defunct Kwara Express, promising a dependable and affordable alternative for residents. Gegele pledged to work closely with existing transport unions, stakeholders, and security agencies to ensure compliance with state transport regulations.
In their remarks, transport union leaders including the Chairman of the Road Transport Employees Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Alh. AbdulRahman Olayinka Onikijipa; the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Chairman, Alh. AbdulRazaq Ariwoola; and the Chairman of the Association of Independent Transporters, Alh. AbdulGaniy Omoola Kasmag hailed the initiative as timely and impactful. They expressed full support, stating that the programme would revitalize the sector and ease the hardships faced by commuters.
The event was well attended by top government officials, including Directors of the Ministry, Executive Cabinet members, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Ibrahim Orire; and the Technical Assistant on Transport, Hon. Musbau Abubakar. Also present were representatives from the Nigeria Police, DSS, NSCDC, and the Kwara Internal Revenue Service, all of whom pledged their support to ensure the programme’s success.
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