Transport fares across Delta State are expected to ease following the Federal Government’s rollout of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to the state.

The buses were officially handed over in Asaba on Wednesday to leaders of the Delta State chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). The initiative forms part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s measures to lessen the financial pressure on Nigerians after the removal of fuel subsidy.

A total of five CNG-powered buses were delivered through the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), with similar allocations made to other states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Addressing journalists during the handover, the Secretary-General of the Delta NURTW, Comrade Chukwuemeka Okolo, said the vehicles would be deployed across the state’s three senatorial districts to help curb rising transportation costs. He explained that the buses are dual-powered, operating on both CNG and petrol, which would significantly lower operating expenses for drivers and translate to reduced fares for commuters.

Okolo described the intervention as timely and urged residents of the state to continue backing the federal government, noting that the programme reflects a commitment to easing economic hardship.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Delta State NURTW caretaker committee, Comrade Patrick Okpandu, thanked President Tinubu and the NLC for the support. He assured that the buses would be used strictly for public transportation as intended.

Other union officials, including Comrades Dennis Araro, Orji Ossai, Igbine Odomero, Ovo Abeke and Peter Ojevwue, also commended the Federal Government for the initiative and expressed hope that additional buses would be allocated to Delta State in the coming months.

They noted that expanding the CNG programme would further improve affordability and access to road transport for residents across the state.