Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna has distributed 7,000 motorcycles to civil servants to ease transportation difficulties across the state.
DAILY NIGERIAN gathered that 4,000 of the motorcycles are electric bikes.
Mr Sani, who flagged off the distribution on Friday, said the initiative was the first of its kind in Nigeria, promising to continue to create and innovate to better the conditions of our citizens.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Hadiza Balarabe, Mr Sani said his administration recognises that transportation costs can be a significant burden for civil servants.
“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,’’ the governor added.
Mr Sani further said that money recovered from the loan repayments will be reserved for the continuous purchase of motorcycles for all workers in the Kaduna State civil service.
According to him, 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. Civil servants play a critical role in shaping governance and facilitating the efficient delivery of essential services.
“Our administration recognises that massive rural and urban transformations, as well as economic revitalisation, are only possible if driven by a 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,’’ he added.
The governor further said that,”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,’’ he added.
The scheme is a collaboration amongst the Kaduna State Government, the Nigerian Labour Congress, Paynacle Digital Services Limited, which will provide charging stations, and Optimus Bank.
Also speaking at the occasion, the Kaduna State Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Ayuba Magaji, commended the governor,”for guaranteeing the financial cover necessary to make this initiative a reality.’’
“By ensuring that these motorcycles are accessible to qualified civil servants as salary-deductible loans, Your Excellency has once again demonstrated a deep commitment to the welfare of workers,” he added.
In his remarks, the acting state secretary of NURTW, 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.
Mr Ibrahim appealed to the state government to contribute its own quota so that the initiative can be sustained.
