Govt plans electric vehicle mass transit scheme

By Abubakar Yunusa

In a bid to enhance transportation efficiency and address growing concerns over fuel costs, the Ministry of Transportation has announced its plans to procure a fleet of electric vehicles.
This move is expected to not only reduce the carbon footprint but also contribute to the ease of movement for commuters nationwide.
The newly sworn-in Minister of Transportation, Sa’idu Alkali, disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday when he resumed duty at the Ministry.
According to him, with the procurement of these vehicles, there will be a decrease in the expense of transportation which is presently high because of the elimination of fuel subsidies.
He said, “The Ministry of Transport must assume a leading role in improving the public transportation sector to support the numerous policies that are geared towards providing democratic dividends that are accessible to ordinary Nigerians through effective provision of public transport that is secured, affordable and convenient across the country.
“So, I am going to ensure that the mass transit system is effective and put in place. The agenda of Mr. President is renewed hope and we will make sure that with the removal of fuel subsidy, we have an effective mass transit system and see how we can procure electric vehicles so that at least the cost of transportation with even the mass transit system is reviewed downward across the country.
“I will also ensure a sustainable collaboration with related ministries, agencies, and corporate entities to reactivate the road transport and mass transit operations in the country.”
The minister further noted that he would rehabilitate the rail transport sector targeted at ensuring secure and efficient operation.
“I will under the careful study of prevailing economic trends, undertake the provision, modernization, rehabilitation, planning, and development of the rail transport sector with efficient security services to support the realization of the primary purpose of government.
“This initiative will no doubt maximize the potentials embodied in the recent Constitutional alterations that moved rail transport services from the exclusive list to the concurrent list. It will also reduce the frequent menace on our roads characterized by accidents, kidnappings, and armed robbery,” he added.
Alkali went on to say that he would embark on monitoring and evaluating the performance of agencies under it towards the realization of the government’s renewed hope mandate, adding that he would provide an enabling work environment for the staff.
He, however, warned that he would not tolerate any form of negligence and indiscipline.
“To ensure the realization of the “Renewed Hope” of this administration, I have resolved to ensure effective supervision, monitoring, and evaluation of the performance of all the departments of the Ministry and its agencies to meet operational standards, judicious expenditure management, and optimal productivity.