By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto
The Sokoto State Government has released 30 additional mass transit buses to the State Ministry of Transportation to further improve inter-state and intra-city transportation.
In a statement, the Director General, Media and Publicity at Government House, Abubakar Bawa, said the keys to the vehicles were presented by the Deputy Governor, Idris Muhammed Gobir, to the State Commissioner for Transportation.
Gobir explained that the 30 buses were part of a previously procured fleet but had been withheld pending the completion of the state’s e-ticketing system.
“Passengers can now conveniently book and pay for their transport fares online. The e-ticketing system will also ensure transparency and accountability in the day-to-day operations of the mass transit service,” the Deputy Governor said.
He urged the Ministry to ensure strict supervision and proper maintenance of the buses, stressing that they were purchased with taxpayers’ money.
Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Bala Kokani, thanked the Governor and assured that the vehicles would be adequately maintained.
It will be recalled that the Ahmed Aliyu administration has so far procured 70 mass transit vehicles, consisting of 50 buses and 20 Toyota Camry cars, to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal and improve transportation across the state.
