The Kogi Central Journalists’ Guild has called on Kogi state governor, Alhaji Usman Ododo, to revive the state-owned transport system, Kogi Travelers, to ease the movement of citizens across major routes in the country.
In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by its Secretary General, Ozumi Abdul, the Guild said the move had become necessary due to the growing transportation challenges being faced by Kogites, particularly traders and travelers who depend on road travel for their economic activities.
The group urged the governor to emulate successful models in Northern Nigeria, especially Kano state’s Kano Line, which it said is a reliable and affordable transport system that has significantly reduced the burden on residents.
According to the Guild, restoring Kogi Travelers would provide relief for millions of indigenes engaged in business across different parts of the country, while also improving connectivity and boosting economic activities.
The statement further noted that the transport scheme, if revived, should operate at subsidised rates to protect citizens from exploitation by private operators.
It lamented the high cost of transportation often imposed by commercial drivers, noting that many Kogi travelers were subjected to exorbitant fares, especially during festive periods.
Citing the last December travel season, the Guild said passengers paid as much as N15,000 from Abuja to Ebiraland and over N25,000 from Kano, despite fuel prices being below N1,000 at the time.
The Guild said the situation is unfair and called for urgent government’s intervention to regulate fares and provide affordable alternatives.
It added that a functional state-backed transport system would not only reduce the costs of travel but will also restore confidence in public transportation and improve the welfare of citizens.
