Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki on Monday flagged off a free transportation scheme to cushion the effects of the removal of the fuel subsidy regime.
The scheme, which will run for an initial two months, will cover commuting within the Benin metropolis and from Benin-City to the major cities in the three senatorial districts.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Obaseki said the free transportation was a way of reducing the burden on the people of the state as a result of the increase in the price of fuel.
“We know that the removal of fuel subsidy will have a negative impact on the people, so we have decided to provide this free transportation as a way of cushioning the effect,” he said.
The governor also said that the state government was working on other measures to mitigate the impact of the fuel subsidy removal, such as providing food subsidies and expanding the state’s social safety net programs.
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The free transportation scheme will be operated by the state-owned Edo City Transport Ltd (ECTS). Passengers will be required to show their identification cards to board the buses.
The scheme has been welcomed by the people of Edo State, who have expressed appreciation to the governor for his gesture.
“This is a great relief for us,” said one commuter. “The price of fuel has gone up so much, and it was becoming difficult for us to afford transportation. This free transportation will help a lot.”
Another commuter said, “I am grateful to the governor for this initiative. It will help us to save money and get around the city more easily.”
The free transportation scheme is a welcome relief for the people of Edo State who are struggling to cope with the effects of the fuel subsidy removal. It is a clear demonstration of the governor’s commitment to the welfare of his people.