Ogun sets up task force to curb soaring transportation fares

As part of its efforts to alleviate the economic constraints caused by growing fuel prices, the Ogun State government has set up a task force to regulate the increase in transportation prices throughout the state.

The government is to embark on a state-wide monitoring exercise to ensure that citizens are not unfairly burdened by exorbitant transportation fees.

The exercise, tagged Task Force Control of Transport Fares of Motorists and Unethical Practices by Filling Stations, was inaugurated by the state’s Ministry of Transportation last week.

Commissioner for Transportation, Dairo Olugbenga, explained that the move is in response to growing concerns from the public regarding the rising cost of transportation.

He emphasized that the task force’s goal is to lessen the financial strains while encouraging equitable behaviour between filling stations and transport unions.

Olugbenga said “We want to feel the pulse of the people of Ogun State. Our goal is to ensure that they are not being overburdened by transportation costs. We have engaged with union leaders, instructing them not to increase ticket prices under the guise of fuel price hikes.

“While the fuel price increase has significantly impacted transportation costs nationwide, it is imperative that we alleviate this burden on our citizens.”

The Commissioner revealed that the task force is made up of several stakeholders, such as the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, DSS, and the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW.

Other key partners include the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency, TRACE and the Ogun State Park and Management Committee, OGSPAM.

The monitoring team, led by the Director of Public Transport and Committee Services, Adebola Onakoya, said major towns and transport hubs, including Abeokuta, Sagamu, Ogijo, Ijebu Ode, and Ago-Iwoye have been visited.

Onakoya stressed that the exercise is still in progress and that the government is still dedicated to making sure that everyone in the area has access to quick and reasonably priced transportation.

“We have covered garages and filling stations in key locations, and we will continue monitoring to ensure that transport fares remain reasonable. Our mandate is to make transportation in Ogun State more accessible”.