Bonny LG Administrator, NURTW Move to Subsidize Transport Fares

In a strategic move aimed at easing the financial burden on residents, the Administrator of Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State, Kingsley Banigo has engaged the transport unions to subsidize transport fares in the area.

Banigo said in a statement on Friday, July 18, 2025 in Bonny, Rivers State that the Local Government has reached an agreement with the unions on the matter, saying “it marks a significant step towards delivering affordable mobility while maintaining order and safety on the roads”.

The meeting had in attendance the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Motorcycle Section, Bonny Chapter, and its affiliate body, Peace Motorcycle Union, represented by their Chairmen, Tuwonoimim Benstowe, and Gibson Banigo, respectively.

According to the Administrator, the meeting was an avenue to discuss and address the issue of the spike in transport cost and road safety concerns.

He further disclosed that the meeting resulted in a formal agreement between the Local Government and the Unions, which effectively reduced the transport fares for short distance journeys across the LGA.

The agreement was to sustain engagement geared towards easing financial stress of fares on residents, making it a significant stride to delivering affordable mobility while ensuring that law and order prevails on the roads.

The Administrator harped on the need for strict adherence to safety regulations by commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada riders, which includes adherence to speed limits and other traffic guidelines in a bid to reduce accidents and secure lives and properties.

Responding, the Chairmen of NURTW Motorcycle Section, Bonny Chapter; Tuwonoimim Benstowe, and Peace Motorcycle Union, Gibson Banigo, respectively, expressed delight over the Administrator’s timely intervention.

They assured him of the Union’s full commitment to the implementation of the agreed pricing framework, as well as encouraging their members to adhere to safety regulations on the roads.

In a joint document signed by the Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the Administrator, Prince Wilcox, Chairman of NURTW Motorcycle Section, Bonny Chapter, Tuwonimim Benstowe, and Chairman of Peace Motorcycle Union, Gibson Banigo, the agreed fares were benchmarked at N100 for short distances, N400-N500 for medium distances and N800-N900 for long distances.