The Ogun state governor has said his administration will soon launch the use of electric trucks and motorbikes throughout the state.
Abiodun while speaking on Tuesday at the 18th National Council of Transportation conference also stressed that the state was already setting the pace for sustainable transportation system.
The conference themed ‘Enhancing innovations And Technologies For Sustainable Transportation: Tackling The Energy Challenges’ was held at the June 12 Cultural Center Kuto, Abeokuta.
Declaring the conference open, the governor represented by the Commissioner For Transportation, Engr. Oluenga Dairo, said that the theme was apt as the nation is currently facing energy challenge occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy.
Dairo noted that even before the Federal Government rolled out plans for the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) project, Ogun State had taken the initiative by rolling out the CNG compliant vehicles.
He maintained that the initiative was to support green environment, fight against global warming and ease the transportation burden faced by the public.
The commissioner said that the Multi Modal Transport Master plan of the state has created a vista of opportunities for residents and travellers and has enhanced business developments across all strata with a Cargo Airport at Iperu, an Inland Dry Port at Papalanto to cater for the material needs of the ever growing industrial cities across the state and beyond.
In his address, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Michael Oloruntola, expressed appreciation to the state government for hosting the conference, saying that the choice of Abeokuta was symbolic, as it has the cultural and historical tapestry that binds everyone together as a nation.
Oloruntola said that the conference seeks to uphold the prioritization of innovative technologies that enhanced affordability, accessibility, safety, security and environmental sustainability.
He urged that deliberations at the conference should tilt towards sustainable transport development which would enhance the welfare of Nigerians vis – a-vis creating job opportunities and stimulating economic growth.
Also speaking, Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Transportation, Dr. AbdulWaheed Olanloye said that discussions on the urgency of embracing innovative technologies that promote sustainability in addressing the energy challenges facing the transportation sector could not have come at a better time than now.