The Ogun State government has embarked on a state-wide monitoring exercise aimed at regulating transport fares and ensuring fair practices in the transportation sector.

This initiative, launched under the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun, is part of efforts to cushion the economic pressures brought on by rising fuel costs.

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.

It is designed to ensure that the citizens of Ogun State are not unfairly burdened by exorbitant transportation fees.

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

He highlighted that the task force aims to mitigate these financial pressures while promoting fair practices among transport unions and filling stations.

“We want to feel the pulse of the people of Ogun State,” said Olugbenga.

“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.”

Olugbenga further disclosed that the task force, which operates under the directive of Governor Abiodun, is composed of multiple stakeholders, including the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, 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, Engr. Adebola Onakoya, has already visited several major towns and transport hubs, including Abeokuta, Sagamu, Ogijo, Ijebu Ode, and Ago-Iwoye.

Onakoya emphasized that the exercise is ongoing and that the government remains committed to ensuring convenient and affordable transportation for all residents.

“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,” said Onakoya.

Commercial drivers have expressed their appreciation for the state government’s initiative. Mr. Isa Hammed, a transporter in Ijebu Ode, noted that while transport fares have risen slightly due to the high cost of fuel, the state’s transport unions have refrained from increasing ticket prices, a decision drivers commend

“The union has been considerate by not raising ticket prices, even though fuel costs have skyrocketed. We are managing the situation, but we appeal to the federal government to find a lasting solution to the high cost of fuel,” Hammed stated

However, some passengers have called on the government to take further steps to regulate transport fares and address the deteriorating condition of roads across the state

While acknowledging the government’s efforts, they urged authorities to ensure that the situation remains under control and that the public does not continue to bear the brunt of rising fuel prices.