Zamfara governor distributes 50 buses, fire trucks to boost transport, emergency response

Governor Dauda Lawal has launched a loan scheme to bolster public transportation and economic empowerment in Zamfara State, distributing 50 new buses to the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). The initiative, officially presented at the Government House in Gusau, aims to improve mobility and safety for residents.

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The buses would 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.

Under the Zamfara State Loan Scheme, the buses were provided at a subsidized cost. The government offers a 20% subsidy, amounting to N5,478,000.00 per vehicle. Beneficiaries will repay the remaining N21,912,000.00 over 44 months. Governor Lawal emphasized that the scheme is designed to enhance the public transportation system and promote economic opportunities.

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We are aware that fire outbreaks can destroy homes, shops, and livelihoods in seconds. These new fire trucks, equipped with modern standards, will strengthen the state fire service’s capacity to respond faster across all nooks and crannies of the State.

In addition to the buses, the state government procured five fire trucks to bolster the capacity of the Zamfara State Fire Service. Governor Lawal highlighted the importance of these trucks in combating fire outbreaks that can devastate homes and businesses. He urged the Fire Service to ensure personnel training, conduct public fire-safety awareness campaigns, and maintain the equipment in serviceable condition.

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I, therefore, charge the Fire Service to complement these efforts by ensuring adequate training of its personnel, conducting public fire-safety sensitisations, and always keeping the equipment in serviceable condition.

The governor stressed that the distributed assets belong to the people of Zamfara State and warned against vandalism, misuse, or diversion. He mandated all ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) and beneficiaries to submit quarterly maintenance and utilization reports, underscoring a zero-tolerance policy for any improper use of the resources.

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I direct all MDAs and beneficiaries to submit quarterly maintenance and utilization reports to their respective reporting Offices. I want to emphasise that vandalism, misuse, or diversion will not be tolerated.