Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has approved the sum of N25 billion for the payment of pensions and gratuities owed to retired civil servants in the state.
The Governor made the disclosure during the inauguration of 200 CNG buses, 50 security vehicles, 50 calibrated trucks for refuse disposal, and 50 transformers at the Trade Fair Complex Minna on Wednesday to mark his first anniversary in office.
Governor Umaru Bago, who assured that his government remains committed to the welfare of the people of the state, also announced the approval of the promotion of any civil servant due for promotion with immediate effect.
He stated further that he has directed the renovation, remodelling, and reconstruction of the State Secretariat in Tunga, Minna, in order to give it a befitting look, as well as the construction of a new judiciary complex to accommodate judiciary staff in the three arms zone.
The Governor explained further that all the gestures were in line with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda to reduce the sufferings of the common man.
On how the CNG buses would refill gas, the Governor said the State Government has made interim arrangements for gas refilling pending the establishment of refilling plants across the State in collaboration with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd.
He explained that Students, health workers and Security personnel will enjoy free transportation, while civil servants will pay a discounted fee.
The governor said his administration intends to provide 1,000 buses in the next six months and also bring in 1,000 electric vehicles to empower youths and women who will provide inter- and intra-state transportation services and, by extension, reduce emissions in line with the green economy initiative of his administration.
He said a rail line would be constructed from Minna to Abuja to depopulate Abuja, adding that schools and health centres will also be remodelled in due course.
The governor attributed the success of his administration so far to the teamwork between all the arms of government and called for a continuous harmonious working relationship.
Earlier in his address, the Secretary to the State Government (SSSG) Alhaji Abubakar Usman Gawu, said the inauguration of the vehicles would clear the people’s doubts, thereby making the New Niger agenda of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago-led administration in the State a reality.
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