The Kogi State Government has received 10 CNG buses from the federal government to reduce the cost of transportation in the state.
The CIP and bus handover ceremony took place in Lokoja on Wednesday.
Kogi State Governor Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, while flagging off the ceremony, commended President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for this initiative.
The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Elder Joel Salihu, stated that the state has keyed into the initiative to reduce the high cost of transportation.
He noted that his administration has perfected all plans and will continue to support and engage in any initiative that will benefit the citizens of the state.
“Our administration is determined to achieve this through our synergy with all the road transport unions in the state. Under this new initiative, 250 youths selected from across the 21 local government councils of the state will be provided with cutting-edge training in critical areas such as CNG conversion, welding and fabrication, automobile mechatronics, solar system installation, and more.
“This program will commence as soon as we finalize the modalities with our proposed partner, the Nigeria-Korea Friendship Institute (NKFI).”
Also speaking, the Minister of Steel, Alhaji Shaibu Abubakar Audu, said that the Renewed Hope agenda of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu has been brought to the doorstep of the masses.
He noted that the reduction of 40 percent in transportation costs through CNG vehicles is a significant development, adding that the economy was on the verge of collapsing and that is the reason Mr. President made the decision to address the situation.
“Ajaokuta Steel Company will play a significant role, as Ajaokuta is a hub for gas, which will be translated to other sectors.”
The Project Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Presidential CNG Initiative, Engr. Michael Oluwagbemi, in his speech, stated that this initiative will reduce transportation fares for Nigerians.
“The conversion is free, as promised by the federal government. We should focus on the opportunity to reduce the cost of transportation. The goal of this initiative is to alleviate the suffering of the people. All commercial vehicles will be converted for free,” he said.
