Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto
Sokoto State Government has approved a combined expenditure of N894.48 million for the procurement of 10 Mitsubishi Canter trucks and construction of 30 commercial shops as part of measures to modernise the state’s transport sector and strengthen economic activities.
The General Manager of the Sokoto State Transport Authority (SSTA), Ibrahim Muhammad, disclosed this on Friday in Sokoto while briefing journalists on the Authority’s ongoing reforms and efforts to improve transportation services across the state.
Muhammad said the State Executive Council approved N776.34 million for the procurement of the 10 Canter trucks, describing the intervention as a major boost to the movement of goods within Sokoto and to other parts of the country.
He explained that the trucks would strengthen the Authority’s haulage capacity and facilitate the movement of agricultural produce, manufactured goods and other commodities between Sokoto and major commercial centres across Nigeria.
According to him, improving the movement of goods would have a direct impact on trade, livelihoods and the wider economy by reducing transportation constraints confronting traders and other economic operators.
“The procurement of the trucks is aimed at strengthening haulage operations and facilitating the movement of goods to and from Sokoto across the country,” he said.
The SSTA boss said the initiative was also expected to generate additional revenue for the state while creating an efficient transportation framework capable of supporting commercial activities.
He disclosed that the Council had equally approved N118.14 million for the construction of 30 commercial shops at the Authority’s main motor park in Sokoto.
Muhammad said the project would provide additional space for businesses operating within the transport facility and strengthen the Authority’s internally generated revenue.
“The construction of the 30 commercial shops will boost commercial activities at the motor park and strengthen the revenue base of the Authority,” he stated.
He said the development of transport infrastructure was critical to economic growth, particularly in northern Nigeria, where the movement of agricultural commodities and other goods over long distances remains central to regional commerce.
Giving an update on the Authority’s fleet management system, Muhammad disclosed that tracking devices had so far been installed on 76 SSTA vehicles.
He said the measure was designed to improve monitoring, accountability and operational efficiency while enabling the Authority to keep better track of its vehicles.
The General Manager also announced that the conversion of the Authority’s “Iyaye Mata” women-only taxis from petrol to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) was progressing smoothly.
He said the transition was expected to reduce operating costs because of the relatively lower cost of CNG, with the savings expected to translate into reduced fares for commuters.
“The conversion to CNG is going on smoothly. It is cheaper and more economical, and we expect this to significantly reduce the cost of operating the taxis and, consequently, transportation fares,” Muhammad said.
He explained that the initiative formed part of efforts to make intra-city transportation more affordable while improving the sustainability of the Authority’s operations.
Muhammad said the reforms were being implemented as part of a broader strategy to transform SSTA into a more efficient, accountable and economically viable transport institution capable of responding to the needs of residents and businesses.
He acknowledged the financial and moral support of Governor Ahmed Aliyu to the Authority, saying the administration’s backing had enabled SSTA to pursue measures aimed at improving transportation services and strengthening its operational capacity.
The General Manager said the combination of fleet expansion, commercial infrastructure, vehicle tracking and CNG conversion would enhance the efficiency of public transportation while supporting trade, revenue generation and economic activity in Sokoto State.
He added that the Authority would continue to pursue initiatives capable of improving service delivery and contributing to the state’s broader economic development.
