Kwara launches P-CNG vehicles to ease transportation burden
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
The Kwara State Government has launched the operation of the Compressed Nitrogen Gas (CNG) vehicles as part of its efforts to provide affordable, reliable and economical transportation to residents of the State.
Performing the official launching at the Ministry of Transportation Headquarters in Ilorin, the state capital, the Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Lafia Aliyu Korasabi, said the initiative aligned with the ongoing Federal Government’s Transportation scheme, targeted at providing succour for the larger population of Nigerians on transportation.
Hon. Korasabi emphasised that the PCNG Initiative was a pilot programme and a deliberate effort by the Federal Government as directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to enhance ease of transportation across the country.
He equally noted that the prompt release of the 20 CNG buses received to kick start the operation, underscored the strides and commitment of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to improving the standard of living of citizens through affordable means of transportation.
The Commissioner, however, urged the transport union leaders in Kwara State to embrace the latest development, saying that the initiative was not intended to undermine or cripple the existing transportation sector, rather the scheme would create a symbiotic competition, giving alternative choices to citizens.
He reeled out some selected locations and states for which the vehicles would be operating, which include, Abuja, Lagos, Ibadan and Niger State. Other areas within the State to be included in the pilot scheme are Lafiagi, Kaiama, Patigi, Baruten, Moro Local Government Areas and Malete Campus axis just for the start of the programme.
On his part, speaking for the Permanent Secretary, the Director, Personnel Finance and Supply of the Ministry, Mallam Tajudeen Onikoko, lauded the initiative and commended the Governor for providing an enabling environment where everyone thrives and implored all transport unions to embrace peace and work in synergy with the CNG operators in order to maintain a harmonious environment.
In his remarks, the State Coordinator for the CNG Station, Mr. Babatunde Gegele, disclosed that the station is presently situated at Odota Ilorin, with 20 CNG Busses as a pilot scheme to support the existing transport sectors, stressed that the scheme will go a long way to fill the vacuum the defunct Kwara Express had left behind, while enhancing the availability of a more reliable and affordable transport that supports all.
Gegele, however, pledged to work in synergy with all the existing transport bodies, stakeholders and law enforcement agencies to maintain strict adherence to the transportation rules and regulations of the State.
The Chairman, Road Transport Employees Association of Nigeria, Kwara State, Alhaji AbdulRahman Olayinka Onikijipa, and his counterparts, Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers, Alh. AbdulRazaq Ariwoola and Chairman Association of Independent Transporters, Alh. AbdulGaniy Omoola Kasmag, described the programme as laudable and long anticipated, stating that it would boost development in the transportation business, while alleviating the suffering of the masses.
They all affirmed their total support for the initiative, while commending the Governor’s continued strides at improving the living standards of Kwarans.
The occasion had in attendance all the Directors of the Ministry, the Executive Cabinet members, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Ibrahim Orire; Technical Assistant on Transport, Hon. Musbau Abubakar; representatives of Commissioner of Police; Directorate of State Security Service; the Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Kwara State; and the Kwara Internal Revenue Services; all pledged their full readiness to support the course and ensure total success of the programme.