By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
Comrade Idris Miliki Abdul, Executive Director of Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR), has called on Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Ododo, to declare a state of emergency in the state’s transport sector. The activist made this call on Thursday in Lokoja, urging the government to address the rising transport fares.
In a press statement, Comrade Miliki highlighted that Kogi State shares borders with nine other states, including the Federal Capital Territory, yet the state lacks a single township vehicle in its commercial fleet to help subsidize the inflated transport fares. He stressed that the state’s transport sector, left largely in the hands of the private sector, has resulted in monopolistic practices that drive up fares.
He emphasized the critical need for investment in the transport sector, noting that it creates jobs, generates revenue, and provides essential services to the citizens. However, he expressed concern that the private sector’s control over transportation in Kogi has worsened the situation, leaving workers, schoolchildren, and other citizens struggling to afford transport to their workplaces, schools, worship centers, and business areas.
“Research has shown that an average of 10,000 vehicles pass through Kogi State every day. Yet, the state government does not have a single vehicle on its commercial fleet to subsidize the inflated transport fares,” he lamented.
Miliki also pointed out that despite the strategic location of the Niger and Benue Rivers in Kogi State, water transportation has been neglected for years, even though the state faces yearly flooding. He called for urgent action from the state government to invest in both road and water transport to alleviate the suffering of residents and improve mobility.
The activist urged Governor Ododo to prioritize the transport sector to reduce the financial burden on citizens and ensure access to affordable and reliable transportation options across the state.
