Subsidy Palliative: Governor Radda approves N600 million for 40 more buses

Governor Umaru Dikko Radda’s administration has endorsed the release of 600 million naira from the state’s purse for the purchase of 40 new buses for the Katsina State Transport Authority, KTSTA.

He made the disclosure at the end of the state executives meeting on Thursday, August 17, 2023.

Governor Radda maintained that the buses upon purchase would be used for both inter- and intra-state mass transit services, adding that some will even be set aside as school buses to convey students of public primary, secondary and tertiary institutions across the state.

“In a bid to alleviate the economic challenges currently faced by the citizens of Katsina State due to the removal of fuel subsidies, I have approved the release of N600 million for the acquisition of forty (40) buses for the Katsina State Transport Authority,” Sani Magaji Ingawa, Katsina State Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, who represented the state governor told the newsmen.

Mr. Governor noted that the transportation fare of those buses would be cheaper than that of privately owned transport services. He further aired his commitment to insecurity through the purchase of modern equipment for security agencies, stating over 7 billion naira has been spent in this course.

He said, “Notably, the transport fares for utilizing these buses are expected to be more affordable, making travel within and beyond the state capital accessible to a wider range of passengers”

“In our administration’s resolve to fight banditry and other criminalities in Katsina State, I have approved the sum of (N7,813,423,560) for the procurement of modern security equipment for security agencies operating in the State,” he added.