Fuel Subsidy Removal: Obaseki Extends Free Bus Service for Three Months

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has extended the free bus scheme for an additional three months. The scheme was initially introduced on September 11, 2023, for a two-month period to alleviate the impact of the fuel subsidy removal by the Federal Government. Over 1.5 million residents of Edo State benefited from the first phase of the scheme, covering both intra and intercity routes operated by the State-owned Edo City Transport Services (ECTS).

The intercity routes covered by the scheme include Auchi – Igarra – Ibillo–Ososo; Uzebba–Ikhin – Otuo, and Abudu-Ubiaja, Abudu-Urhonigbe, and Ewohimi to Ewatto. The intra-city routes include Ramat–Kingsquare; New Benin–Kingsquare; Kingsquare – Ekenwan Road; Kingsquare–Airport Road; Kingsquare–Sapele Road; Kingsquare – Adesuwa, Kingsquare–Ogida; New Benin – Upper Mission; Kingsquare–Ugbowo; Kingsquare–Agbor Road; Kingsquare–Upper Sokponba; New Benin – Ugbowo, and New Benin–Aduwawa.

The Managing Director of Edo State Transport Authority (ESTA), Mrs. Edugie Agbonlahor, announced the extension, emphasizing the government’s commitment to the welfare of Edo people. The free bus scheme will now continue until February 2024. The decision aims to provide sustained support amid the economic challenges resulting from the fuel subsidy removal.

During the initial two-month period, 1,536,904 residents benefited from the scheme, with 33,480 commuters from inter-city routes and 1,503,424 from intra-city routes. The extension is expected to be particularly beneficial for individuals traveling to their hometowns during the Yuletide season, easing the financial burden of transportation costs for Edo State residents.

Mrs. Agbonlahor encouraged residents to take advantage of the continued transportation palliative, stating that the government is exploring all necessary measures to alleviate the economic impact of the fuel subsidy removal policy by the Federal Government. The extension reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance the overall welfare and well-being of the people of Edo State.