Ogun State Government at the weekend signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ashok Leyland of India for the supply of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) mass transit buses in the state.

Secretary to the Ogun State Government (SSG), Mr. Tokunbo Talabi represented the state government at the signing ceremony,  while Mr. Rajesh R, Head and Senior Vice President, International Operations, signed for Ashok Leyland.

The signing of the MoU signalled the commencement of the project aimed at delivering public transport system (mass transit buses and transport infrastructure) in the state. 

The MoU is a fallout of the high-level meeting, which the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun held with potential investors on the sidelines of the Nigeria-India bilateral meeting held in Delhi, India. 

"This MoU is in line with the ISEYA agenda of His Excellency aimed at operationalisation of the approved multi-modal transport master plan for Ogun State connecting air, road, sea, and rail," Talabi said.

According to Mr. Talabi, the state will receive more CNG buses when the project fully comes on stream.

This would further reduce the cost of transportation in the state for the benefit of residents, he added.

"Furthermore, the parties will explore areas of collaboration, including the potential setup of a CKD plant for the buses and will create over 2,000 jobs when fully executed," he added.

The meeting also had in attendance, Mr Dapo Okubadejo, Chief Economic Adviser and Finance Commissioner designate; Special Adviser on Justice and Commissioner Designate, Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN); Engr. Gbenga Diaro, Commssioner for Transportation Designate; Adebola Sofela, Commssioner Designate and Technical Adviser on Projects, Mr. Seyi Ogunseye.  

From Ashok Leyland were; Mr Amandeep Singh, President,  International Operations, LCV, Defence and PSB; Mr Sujan Roy, Head Projects; Mr Manu Vijay Kumar, Senior Manager, Projects; Rajeev Narayan, Deputy General Manager and Head West and Central Africa; Yash Pal Sachar, Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Raveen Bawamkule, Global Sales and Distribution.