The Ekiti State Government has commenced a programme aimed at reducing transport fares by 50 per cent following the deployment of 15 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered buses to ease transportation costs for residents.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji announced the initiative during the official flag-off of the buses at the premises of the Ekiti State Transportation Agency in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday. The deployment forms part of efforts to improve transport affordability in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to state governments.
State deploys 15 CNG buses
The buses were provided to Ekiti as part of the Federal Government’s effort to expand alternative-fuel public transportation and reduce the cost of moving passengers.
Oyebanji described the deployment as an initial step towards reducing transport expenses and said the state intended to explore further measures to improve access to affordable transport.
The governor also appealed to transport unions to ensure that the expected savings were reflected in the fares paid by commuters.
The state government said it would continue to explore ways of easing the burden of transportation costs on residents.
Routes planned for the buses
According to Channels Television’s report on the launch, the Director-General of the Ekiti State Transportation Agency, Tajudeen Akingbolu, said routes had been mapped out for services connecting Ado-Ekiti with Lagos, Ibadan, Onitsha and Abuja.
The planned routes could extend the scheme beyond local journeys, although the service schedule, fares and operational coverage will determine how many passengers benefit.
CNG is being promoted as an alternative to petrol and diesel for suitable vehicles. The intended benefit is lower operating costs that can support more affordable public transport.
However, the introduction of CNG buses does not by itself confirm that fares have already fallen by 50 per cent on every route.
Implementation will determine the savings
The government’s 50 per cent target will need to be assessed against the actual fares charged, the number of buses in operation, route availability and service frequency.
The programme’s impact will also depend on whether the buses operate consistently and whether transport operators pass any operating-cost savings on to passengers.
The initiative follows the Federal Government’s wider push for state governments to expand alternative-fuel transportation and deliver measurable fare reductions from October 1, 2026.
For Ekiti residents, the central question will be whether the new services provide accessible and reliable transport at lower prices. Details of fares, schedules and the expansion of the fleet will help establish the extent of the programme’s benefits.