Oyo State Receives 20 CNG Buses from Federal Government to Ease Subsidy Removal Effects
The Oyo State Government, through the Pacesetter Transport Service (PTS), has taken delivery of 20 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, courtesy of the Federal Government’s efforts to mitigate the impact of subsidy removal.
At a brief handover ceremony held at the PTS conference room on Monday, Chairman and Sole Administrator, Hon. Salami Dikko, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde for the initiative.
“I appreciate the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Tinubu, for this laudable initiative, and our Governor, Seyi Makinde, for appointing me as Chairman of PTS,” Dikko said.
Dikko revealed that when he assumed office, there were only five operational buses, which he increased to 81. He noted that PTS has undergone significant transformations under his leadership.
“The CNG initiative is the best approach to solving problems in Oyo State,” Dikko emphasized. “Governor Makinde is keying into this project to ease the effects of subsidy removal.”
Dikko urged the PI-CNG to provide an additional 100 CNG buses to cover more routes in Oyo State.
Earlier, CEO of CNG, Engr. Michael Oluwagbemi, expressed delight at setting the pace for the CNG platform program in Oyo State.
“Our visit fulfills President Tinubu’s campaign promise,” Oluwagbemi said. “Deploying CNG buses addresses issues affecting Nigerians, particularly petrol importation.”
Oluwagbemi highlighted the benefits of compressed natural gas, an abundant resource in Nigeria.
“Ibadan has always been attractive since its founding, a hub for commerce and secret billionaires,” Oluwagbemi noted. “President Tinubu wants us to utilize our gas to drive transportation, industries, food production, fertilizers, and more.”
Oluwagbemi emphasized the need for sustainable partnerships.
“We’re presenting 20 buses to generate income, as they’re valuable assets,” Oluwagbemi said. “We need more dedicated leaders like Dikko to ensure sustainable mass transit and a brighter future for Oyo State and Nigeria.”
In his goodwill message, Special Assistant to Governor Makinde on Environment, Engr. Ademola Aderinto, praised the CNG initiative.
“CNG is a far cheaper, cleaner energy source,” Aderinto said. “This initiative will promote longer, healthier lives and reduce carbon monoxide emissions.”
The event was attended by Chairman of OYSROMA, Hon. Busoye Ogunlade, government functionaries, and other stakeholders.
