Pacesetter Transport Service (PTS), the Oyo State owned transport company, is set to expand its operations beyond the southwest region, as plans are underway to begin interstate passenger services from Ibadan to Ilorin, Lagos and Abuja, using Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered buses.
This was the outcome of a meeting held today in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, between the Chairman and Sole Administrator of Pacesetter Transport Services, Hon. Dr. Dikko Salami, and the Kwara State Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Aliyu Kora Sabi.
Speaking during the meeting, Hon. Dikko Salami said the engagement was part of efforts to deepen regional cooperation and ensure safer, affordable, and environmentally friendly transport for Nigerians.
“We are expanding the Pacesetter routes beyond Oyo. We have successfully operated CNG buses from Ibadan to Lagos and Abuja. Now we are bringing that same energy to Kwara. The plan is to move passengers from Ibadan to Ilorin, Ilorin to Abuja, Ilorin to Lagos and back. This meeting was to agree on how to make it smooth,” Dr. Dikko said.
He disclosed that both states discussed pickup and drop-off points, designated terminals, and the safety and monitoring systems in place for the buses. “Our buses are already equipped with cameras and GPS tracking. The passengers’ safety is a priority. We also talked about how to ensure that fares remain affordable for the public,” he added.
On his part, Hon. Aliyu Kora Sabi welcomed the collaboration and described it as timely. He noted that the move will not only ease transportation between the two states but also create economic opportunities for the people.
“This partnership is a welcome development. It means cheaper, safer, and more reliable transportation for our people. It also opens up employment opportunities and strengthens the bond between both states,” the commissioner said.
Present at the meeting were key officials from both sides, including the SSA on Transport, SSA on Security to the Kwara State Governor, PS Ministry of Transport and directors from Pacesetter covering Human Resources, Finance, ICT and others.
