Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has reversed his earlier approval of free bus services across the state, a decision that was announced on Wednesday morning as part of a new welfare initiative.
The free bus service, which was set to cover both intra-city routes in Benin metropolis and inter-city routes across the state’s three senatorial districts, was intended to improve the welfare of residents, particularly in light of the economic challenges many face.
The initiative was warmly received by local groups, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Edo State, which praised the move as a positive step toward easing the transportation burden on workers and students.
However, just hours after the announcement, the governor’s office issued a late-night statement calling for the previous announcement to be disregarded. The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, explained that the governor was briefed on operational challenges related to the Edo City Transport Service (ECTS), which manages the bus service. Consequently, the free bus service was put on hold, with a promise that a new decision would be communicated in due course.
The sudden reversal has raised concerns about the logistical and operational feasibility of the initiative, leaving residents and workers uncertain about the state’s transportation plans.
