Musa Na Allah Sokoto
Sokoto State Government has launched 30 brand-new mass transit buses, now fully integrated with a digital e-ticketing system.
This move marks a significant leap in the state’s effort to streamline transport services and deliver greater ease and efficiency to commuters.
This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen by the Director General Media and Publicity, Abubakar Basa, on Sunday.
The Deputy Governor, Idris Muhammed Gobir, formally presented keys to the state Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Bala Kokani, signaling the official release of the vehicles to the Ministry.
He described the rollout as a concrete step in fulfilling the administration’s pledge to relieve the daily struggles of passengers who depend on state-owned transit systems.
Gobir disclosed that while the buses were part of an earlier acquisition, their deployment was delayed to ensure the e-ticketing infrastructure was fully operational. With the system now in place, the buses are ready to hit the roads with a promise of improved service delivery.
He emphasized that the digital platform will allow passengers to conveniently book and pay for their trips online cutting out delays, long queues, and manual inefficiencies.
This, he said, would revolutionize the commuting experience for residents and visitors alike.
“The e-ticketing system is not just about convenience; it’s about transparency and accountability.
“It ensures that every naira spent is accounted for, and that citizens receive value from the services provided,” Gobir stated.
He further urged the Transportation Ministry to exercise rigorous oversight and maintain the buses routinely to preserve their functionality and extend their lifespan.
“We must treat these assets as vital public investments,” he added.
Highlighting the importance of public responsibility, Gobir called on both drivers and passengers to protect the buses.
“These are not just vehicles, they are the collective property of every taxpayer. Treat them with the respect they deserve,” he said firmly.
In his remarks, Hon. Bala Kokani, Commissioner for Transportation, commended the Deputy Governor’s consistent support of the transport sector.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s readiness to implement a robust maintenance strategy and enforce operational discipline.
Kokani praised Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration for its deliberate investments in transportation, calling it a game-changer for the state’s economic and social mobility.
He described the transport reforms as a critical pillar in raising living standards and reducing the impact of national economic challenges.
“I give my word that these vehicles will be used with utmost care and managed as if they belonged to each one of us personally,” Kokani pledged, promising responsible use of the state’s growing transport assets.
The Commissioner also noted that the new buses will serve both intra-city and inter-state routes, expanding the reach and reliability of public transit options across the region.
It is important to note that the Ahmed Aliyu administration has already procured a total of 70 vehicles for the mass transit scheme, comprising 50 buses and 20 Toyota Camrys, demonstrating a sustained commitment to accessible and affordable transportation.
Ultimately, the initiative reflects the government’s broader mission to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal and create a more connected, efficient, and economically inclusive Sokoto State.
