The Niger State Government has signed a N7bn contract with four different firms for the purchase of 200 buses that will use compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel.
The signing of the contract took place at Government House on Tuesday. The governor, in his remarks, said the purchase of the 200 buses was in fulfilment of his promise to provide free transportation for pupils and students in the state.
He said the fares for the 50-capacity buses will be subsidised for all civil servants.
He further explained that the first 100 buses will be used to serve commuters between Abuja and Suleja, 50 will be used in Minna, the state capital, and the remaining 50 will be spread across other local government areas.
The governor explained that an additional 300 buses will be purchased next year as part of the second phase of the scheme.
Describing the initiative as a way of reducing hardship faced by citizens due to fuel subsidy removal, Governor Bago said the gesture was also to bring about a revolution in the transportation system and reduce the rate of accidents on the roads.
He said that in the next four years, the state intends to purchase 1000 CNG buses and electric motorcycles to reduce the pollution caused by fuel-engine motorcycles.
While calling on the contractors to deliver the buses according to the specifications, the governor also called on investors to take advantage of the policy to establish CNG plants in the state.
The commissioner for transportation, Hajiya Hadiza Idris Kuta, said the buses will cost the state government about N7 billion.
Representative of Nationwide Unity Transport Limited, Mohammed Bawa, who spoke on behalf of other contractors, disclosed that the 200 high-capacity buses will be of great quality and will come with a warranty of two years, while availability for spare parts is guaranteed for the next 10 years.
He assured the governor that all contractors would stick to the contract agreement.
The four contracting firms were Topdesk International, Nationwide Unity Transport Limited, Afrobase Services Limited, and Musako Motors and Transportation Nigeria Limited.
The four companies were to provide fifty buses each, and the delivery is expected to be completed in 12 weeks.