Delta State Approves 50 CNG Buses, Electric Vehicles, and Mega Terminal to Transform Public Transport

ASABA, Nigeria – Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has approved the purchase of 50 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, the acquisition of electric vehicles, and the construction of an ultra-modern mega bus terminal in Asaba as part of a sweeping overhaul of the state’s public transportation network.

The approvals, ratified during the State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting presided over by the governor, are designed to address the urgent mobility needs of the state’s residents, the vast majority of whom depend on public transit for their daily livelihoods.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Onoriode Agofure, revealed that the decisions were driven by a comprehensive transportation study conducted across major cities, including Warri, Asaba, Ughelli, Agbor, Sapele, Abraka, and Oleh. The research uncovered that an average of over 19,000 people move around the state daily, with a staggering 80 per cent relying on public transportation, while only 20 per cent use private vehicles.

“The governor is aware that transportation is central to economic development. People depend on transportation to go to the market, schools, offices and other places,” Agofure stated, noting that the COVID-19 pandemic had starkly illustrated how movement restrictions could cripple entire economies.

The newly approved fleet of 50 CNG buses will form the backbone of the state’s MORE Mass Transit Scheme, aimed at delivering safe, affordable, and efficient travel. The inclusion of electric vehicles also underscores the administration’s commitment to environmentally friendly, modern transport solutions.

In a major infrastructural move, EXCO approved the construction of an ultra-modern mega bus terminal in Asaba, which will serve as the operational hub for the mass transit system. The terminal is expected to eliminate the chaotic roadside parks around the popular Koka Junction area, improving traffic flow and enhancing the aesthetics of the state capital. Land for the project has already been acquired, and all existing informal parks—including those run by private operators—will be relocated to the new facility upon completion.

Agofure further disclosed that a similar bus terminal is planned for Warri, with the Federal Government already granting approval following Governor Oborevwori’s intervention.

The initiatives are part of the Oborevwori administration’s broader vision to modernise Delta’s transport infrastructure and deliver an integrated, efficient system that meets the needs of the state’s growing population.