Network for Economic Empowerment and Development (NEED) has called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to address the growing transportation crisis in Delta State by introducing Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses across major cities and suburban routes in the state.
In an open letter to the Governor and copied to the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, NEED highlighted the severe impact of rising transport costs on low-income earners, business owners, and service providers in the state.
In the letter signed by its National Coordinator, Classics Oke Oteri; Delta State Coordinator, Tony Udaya, and National Publicity Secretary, Olubode Olumoye, the group warned that the current situation is fast becoming a threat to productivity, quality of service, and economic stability in the state.
According to the group, many residents, especially traders, civil servants, and artisans, now spend between 30 to 50 percent of their monthly earnings just to commute between their homes and workplaces.
They noted that with most people residing in the outskirts while working in city centers such as Asaba, Warri, Uvwie, Sapele and Ughelli, the high cost of daily transport is eating deep into already strained incomes.
“The letter stated, “As you are aware, transportation has remained a critical aspect of our daily living. Unfortunately, the current state of transportation in our state has become a cause for concern, especially in terms of productivity.
“Low-income earners, who form the majority in the state, mostly work and conduct small businesses in cities while residing in suburban areas. Due to high transportation costs, this group often ends up with little or nothing at the end of each month. Almost 30% to 50% of their earnings are spent on transportation alone – a truly demoralizing situation.”
NEED also noted that business owners, especially those in the education and services sectors, are struggling to attract qualified staff because many skilled professionals cannot afford the cost of commuting from afar. The result, the group said, is a decline in the quality of manpower and service delivery.
“Moreover, business owners face challenges in securing competent employees due to transportation costs. Some settle for less qualified staff living close to their offices, impacting productivity.
“For instance, school owners might prefer hiring less competent teachers nearby because they can’t afford salaries factoring in transportation costs for more skilled teachers. Undoubtedly, teacher quality affects student outcomes; this issue extends to other sectors requiring skilled jobs.”
To address the situation, NEED is proposing the rollout of CNG-powered buses across Delta State as a cost-effective and environmentally responsible solution.
Highlighting the growing national conversation around energy transition and clean fuel alternatives, the group believes Delta should take the lead in the South-South by adopting compressed natural gas for public transport.
The group used the occasion of Nigeria’s 65th Independence to remind state leadership of the urgent need for inclusive and people-centered policies.
It added, “As the nation calls on all hands to be on deck, we urge our Governor to lead from the front by prioritising transport accessibility. CNG buses can reduce the cost of living, stimulate business growth, and support our collective drive toward a cleaner, greener Delta.”
The group pledged support for any initiative to pilot the proposed public transportation scheme and called on relevant agencies, including the Delta State Ministry of Transport and private sector partners, to collaborate on implementation.
