Fuel Subsidy: Gov Obaseki orders commencement of free transport service in Edo

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As part of efforts to cushion the effects of the recent removal of fuel subsidy by the federal government, the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has approved free transport services for passengers across the state.

This was made known Monday, in a press release by the Edo State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) via a post on the party’s official X account.

The Edo State Governor directed that all passengers of Edo City Transport Ltd (ECTS) routes should benefit primarily from the initiative adding that the free bus service will kick off on Monday, September 11, 2023, and will run between 6.30 am to 7 pm daily.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, Andrew Okungbowa revealed that the free transport service is aimed at significantly reducing the citizens’ mobility problems and improving their welfare amid the hardship caused by the federal government’s subsidy removal policy.

The statement reads: “His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki, has directed the State-owned transport company, Edo City Transport Ltd (ECTS), to commence free bus services to all passengers on all their routes with effect from 11th September 2023.

“The free bus service which spans an initial two-month period covers commuting within the Benin metropolis and from Benin- City to the major cities in the three senatorial districts.”

According to Okungbowa, “The Governor’s compassionate approval is aimed at providing succour to the people of Edo State in the light of the numerous challenges arising from the removal of the fuel subsidy.

He added, “It is hoped that this transportation support of the caring Governor will significantly reduce the citizens’ mobility problems and improve their welfare within this period, while all efforts are being made to purchase new gas-powered buses for the State.”

The removal of fuel Subsidy by the federal government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has brought untold hardship on Nigerians within the last few months, affecting all sectors of the country.

This is as the country is witnessing severe inflation in the cost of fuel and other Petroleum products, transportation and even basic commodities and services.

As Nigerians grapple through the tough times in the country, the hopes are that the government at all levels would employ unique strategies to lessen their burdens.

Unfortunately, the federal government’s attempt to providing parliatives meat to cushion the effects of the subsidy removal policy has not yielded much impact enough to be felt.

The federal government had promised to disburse five billion naira to each of the 36 states of the Federation.

According to the federal government,the said funds was to enable the state governments provide relief for their indigenes while the brunt of the new policy hits hard.

The government however said that the difficulties been faced was only temporal as it was a path towards achieving a desired goal.

The government however, has not completely disbursed the complete 5 billion naira it promised as states reportedly confirmed receipt of two billion naira each while being promised that they’ll receive the balance on a latter date.