Gov Lawal Distributes 50 Buses to Zamfara Transport Workers

The Zamfara State Government has distributed 50 new buses to members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) under a loan scheme aimed at improving public transportation and promoting economic empowerment.

The buses were officially handed over on Wednesday at the Government House in Gusau by Governor Dauda Lawal.

According to a statement by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the buses were provided under the Zamfara State Loan Scheme, with the government subsidising 20 per cent of the cost of each vehicle.

Governor Lawal said each bus was procured at a cost of N27.39 million, while the state government would cover N5.478 million as subsidy, leaving beneficiaries to repay N21.912 million over a period of 44 months.

He explained that the NURTW would play a key role in identifying beneficiaries, supervising the use of the buses and ensuring repayment of the loans.

“The buses will be distributed to the NURTW on loan under the Zamfara State Loan Scheme. The union has agreed to participate in the identification, supervision and repayment of its members’ vehicles,” the governor said.

Lawal said the initiative forms part of his administration’s efforts to strengthen the state’s transport system, create economic opportunities and improve the safety and efficiency of public transportation.

In addition to the buses, the governor also commissioned five fire trucks to boost emergency response and firefighting operations across the state.

He said the new trucks would enhance the capacity of the Zamfara State Fire Service to respond more quickly to fire outbreaks and called on the agency to ensure proper maintenance of the equipment, continuous personnel training and increased public fire safety awareness.

The governor also warned against the misuse or diversion of the distributed assets, stressing that they belong to the people of Zamfara State.

He directed all ministries, departments and agencies, as well as beneficiaries, to submit quarterly maintenance and utilisation reports to the appropriate authorities.