By: Mayen Etim, Kaduna
In its efforts to ease the transportation burden of workers across the state, the Kaduna State Government has given out 7,000 motorcycles to civil servants of which 4,000 are electric bikes.
Governor Uba Sani who flagged off the distribution exercise on Friday said, the initiative is first of its kind in Nigeria, promised that the State Government will continue to create and innovate to better the conditions of our citizens.
Sani who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, said that Government recognizes that transportation costs can be a significant burden for civil servants.
He added: ‘’It is our hope that these motorcycles will help alleviate that burden, allowing you to come to work early and focus on the tasks at hand.”
Governor Sani further said that monies recovered from the loan repayments will be reserved for continuous purchase of motorcycles for all workers in the State civil service.
According to the Governor, charging points will be established in strategic locations across the three geopolitical zones of the state.
He noted that the Civil Service is the engine of Government, underscoring the importance of civil servants, which he said play a critical role in shaping governance, and facilitating the efficient delivery of essential services.
The Governor added: ‘’Our administration recognizes that massive rural and urban transformations, as well as economic revitalization are only possible if driven by dedicated, skilled and well-motivated workforce.
‘’This is why we have intensified improvement of the working conditions of civil servants across Kaduna State. We are also implementing structural improvements in the environments where civil servants operate.
‘’our civil servants deserve commendation for their contributions to the achievements so far recorded by our administration. Your hard work, dedication, and commitment to the development of our state have not gone unnoticed.
‘’It is your tireless efforts that have inspired our administration to provide these motorcycles as a token of appreciation for your service.”
The scheme is a collaboration amongst Kaduna State Government, Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Paynacle Digital Services Limited which will provide charging stations and Optimus Bank.
Also speaking at the occasion, the Kaduna State Chairman of NLC, Comrade Ayuba Magaji, commended the Governor for guaranteeing the financial cover necessary to make this initiative a reality.
He noted that by ensuring that these motorcycles are accessible to qualified civil servants as salary-deductible loans, the Governor has once again demonstrated a deep commitment to the welfare of workers in the state.
The Acting State Secretary of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Comrade Hassan Ibrahim, also disclosed that the union has purchased 1,000 electric tricycles for its members at N7.5 million each, payable for two years.
Comrade Ibrahim pleaded with the Kaduna State Government to contribute its own quota so that the initiative could be sustained.
