By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr
In a bold move aimed at transforming public transportation and easing the burden of rising commuting costs, the Delta State Government has concluded plans to deploy a fleet of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered buses within the next four to five months, marking the beginning of a modern mass transit system designed to provide residents with affordable, safe and reliable transportation.
The Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Onoriode Agofure, disclosed this during an interaction with journalists in Asaba yesterday, revealing that Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori had approved the procurement of the buses as part of the administration’s commitment to improving mobility and expanding economic opportunities across the state.
Agofure explained that the buses are currently being specially manufactured to meet Delta State’s operational requirements, noting that they are custom-built and cannot simply be purchased off the shelf.
According to him, the state government had invested the past two years conducting extensive studies, mapping transport corridors and developing operational strategies to ensure the seamless implementation of the mass transit programme.
He said the service would operate on both inter-city and intra-city routes, connecting major commercial centres such as Asaba and Warri with surrounding communities, while significantly improving access to affordable transportation for commuters.
“The first batch of 50 buses is intended as a pilot phase. Once the system has demonstrated efficiency and sustainability, the fleet will be expanded to accommodate growing passenger demand across the state,” the commissioner said.
To guarantee the sustainability of the initiative beyond the lifespan of the present administration, Agofure disclosed that government was already putting in place the necessary legal, institutional and operational frameworks that would ensure the continuity and effective management of the transport scheme.
As part of the supporting infrastructure, he revealed that the state was constructing a modern bus terminal in Asaba, while the Federal Government had approved the development of a regional transport terminal in Warri following the donation of land by the Delta State Government.
On energy infrastructure, Agofure said existing CNG refuelling stations in Asaba and Warri would support the initial operations, adding that discussions were at an advanced stage with private sector investors to establish additional refuelling facilities in Kwale, Sapele and Abraka to improve accessibility as the programme expands.
He expressed optimism that the introduction of CNG-powered buses would revolutionise public transportation in Delta State by reducing transport fares, promoting healthy competition among transport operators and offering commuters a more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative.
Beyond improving mobility, the commissioner said the initiative would stimulate economic growth through the creation of numerous direct and indirect jobs, including opportunities for drivers, mechanics, ticketing officers, cleaners, maintenance personnel and traders operating within the transport terminals.
Agofure further disclosed that while the programme would initially concentrate on road transportation within the state’s upland communities, government had already incorporated plans to extend the initiative to riverine areas as part of its long-term integrated transport development agenda.
He maintained that the mass transit scheme represents a strategic investment in Delta’s future, one that would enhance connectivity, improve productivity and contribute significantly to the socio-economic development of the state.
In a related development, the Director of Vehicle Inspection Services, Engr. Vincent Ehiwario, applauded Governor Oborevwori and the Commissioner for Transport for introducing reforms aimed at modernising the state’s transport sector.
Ehiwario highlighted ongoing initiatives such as the automation of vehicle inspection processes, intensified road safety awareness campaigns and plans to review existing transport laws to strengthen electronic traffic enforcement, improve compliance with road safety regulations and enhance traffic management across Delta State.
The planned rollout of the CNG buses aligns with the growing national shift towards cleaner and more cost-effective energy sources, positioning Delta State among the sub-national governments embracing sustainable transportation solutions to address rising fuel costs, improve commuter welfare and accelerate economic development.