CNG Buses:Free Transport Scheme and Governor Uba Sani's Love for Workers

CNG Buses:Free Transport Scheme and Governor Uba Sani's Love for  Workers 

On Saturday, May 29, 2024, Senator Uba Sani was sworn-in as the 10th democratically elected Governor of Kaduna State and with a mindset that "Leadership is not about a title or a designation, but about impact , influence and inspiration" as defined by a world leadership expert, Robin Sharma.

Since assuming office ,the former lawmaker, who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District in the 9th Senate has demonstrated  sound knowledge and character that revealed he understood the rudiments of governance. His response  and approach to State matters shows he was prepared and committed to move the State to a greater heights of development . Little wonder, he didn't waste time before he swung into action to commence implementation  of his 7-Point agenda.

The  7-Point agenda with Acronym SUSTAIN  was a  carefully crafted document to address and cover the basic needs that will improve lives of citizens to engender growth and development. About 18 months in office as  Governor of the former historical headquarters of northern region,the people are no doubt convinced that Governor Uba Sani meant business with the meticulous manner he has been implementing the SUSTAIN agenda, which covers the entire spectrum of security, human capital development, infrastructure development, Institutional development, as well as Trade and Investment.

It is in line with the high priority placed on workers and the need to cushion effect of hardship caused by the removal of petroleum subsidy ,Governor Uba Sani concluded arrangements to distribute CNG buses for free transportation In the first phase of the free transportation scheme, 100 free Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses for civil servants are ready for launch, with labour union and state transport agency to take  charge of the  operations, when they finally distribute them . 

Governor Uba Sani however, revealed reasons behind the scheme. According to him, the decision to provide free transportation for workers is in line with his administration’s commitment to the advancement of the interests of workers and improvement in the living conditions of the poor, vulnerable and enhancing their productivity.

Unfortunately, over the years it became somehow  a norm for government to purchase vehicles for both intra and inter  transport system and thereafter such vehicles due to bad maintenance culture are damaged beyond repairs. But to avoid a repeat of the lapse and  mistake of the past ,it became clear that a Joint Management Committee consisting of representatives of organized labour (NLC and TUC) and the State Government will be set up to manage the Free Transportation Scheme for the civil servants.

The Governor didn't stop only at providing free transportation for workers ,despite the meager funds available due huge debt incurred by the previous administration, he took the bold step to  approve a new minimum wage of N72,000 for civil servants in the state, effective November 2024.

A feat workers across the 23 local government areas have applauded as they acknowledged as a lifelong commitment to promoting and protecting workers’ rights.

Corroborating the mood of  workers over the cheering news  of the approval of the  72,000 naira minimum wage ,  a statement released by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Malam Ibraheem Musa confirmed that the decision was obviously in line with the advancement of the interests of workers and improvement in the living conditions of the poor, vulnerable and underserved in Kaduna State.

An uncompromising evidence that Governor Uba Sani administration was dedicated to enhancing the welfare of " our civil servants " and improving their productivity,with assurance he will continue to fashion and implement policies and measures to bring succour to the people.

Body language of the Governor and  committed efforts in recent days also show that he is living no stone unturned  to make Kaduna a model for social welfare interventions by  transforming the lives of the less privileged in the state  . 

A pointer to the commitment and resolve to change the narrative in governance architecture,  Senator Uba sani  made a surprise reception for the Minors released from Abuja as indication of steps towards social transformation .

The immeasurable spirit of the governor indicates a strong desire to engage the youths in the state towards productive venture. The governor promised that some of them will be given start-up capitals to commence trading, others will be taught skills and some will be given employment,’’ he added.

Recently, President Bola Tinubu ordered the release of the detained minors facing trial for treason on compassionate grounds and directed the government of Kaduna and Kano States to anchor the rehabilitation of the suspects so, they can be  reintegrated into the social fabric of their respective communities and society at large.

In response to the directive of the President in line with his priority for welfare of citizens,the Governor immediately directed the Secretary to Kaduna State Government,Dr. Abdulkadir Muazu Meyere, Secretary to the Kaduna State Government to make necessary arrangements for the rehabilitation and proper reintegration to the Upon release.

The first measure taken was to ensure they all went through a medical examination and received psycho-social counseling,which  focused  on personal development and community contribution. It didn't  stop there, religious leaders were invited  from both Islamic and Christian communities to counsel the children, emphasize the importance of faith and the dangers of negative influences.

Thereafter,“the Governor promised some of them start-up capital for trading, while others will be trained and offered employment. He also pledged his administration’s commitment to partnering with relevant stakeholders to support the freed suspects in completing their education or engaging in ventures that will positively impact their lives.

In addition, each of the freed Minors was handed a whooping hundred thousand naira (N100,000) and an android phone to commence a productive life envisaged to multiply for economic prosperity. 

To ensure compliance to the gesture ,the government will monitor the conduct of each child, extending these benefits based on good behavior. Contact details, including addresses, phone numbers, and next-of-kin information, were recorded for easy tracking and follow-up.