SPEECH BY

THE CHIEF SERVANT, DR. MU'AZU BABANGIDA ALIYU, OON, (TALBAN MINNA) THE GOVERNOR OF NIGER STATE, ON THE OCCASION OF THE LAUNCHING OF 50 BUSES FROM THE FGN-ASSISTED MASS TRANSIT SCHEME, AT THE TRADE FAIR COMPLEX, MINNA; ON THURSDAY,9^TH JUNE, 2011.

PROTOCOL:

2. It gives me great pleasure to be here to launch 50 Toyota Hiace Buses purchased by Niger State Government under the Federal Government Public Mass Transit Scheme, in collaboration with Urban Development Bank (UDB). My pleasure is especially heightened because the scheme has a direct impact on the socio-economic well being of the people of Niger State, and coming only a few weeks after our inauguration for a second term in the service of Nigerlites makes this occasion even more worthwhile. We give gratitude to Allah (SWT) for this opportunity.

3. You may recall that we have had to embark on a number of initiatives in the transport sector since we came on board in 2007, the major one being the establishment of the Ministry of Transportation to facilitate the formulation and implementation of policies that will enable us harness our full potentials in the sector for the realization of our economic aspirations. We are not unmindful of the need to fully take advantage of our enormous road, air, water and rail transport potentials to improve the quality of lives of Nigerlites.

4. We are therefore putting all the necessary structures in place to attract private investors to partner with us to achieve our objectives in this area, within the wider context of our vision of 3:2020. To this end, Government has given approval for the construction of a Transpark at Mokwa, under a Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) arrangement, while we await investors for the development of Transparks in other parts of the State, such as Tafa, Tegina, Gawu Babangida and Pandogari, among others.

5. Government is equally looking forward to the completion of rehabilitation of rail tracks between Minna and Kaduna for the resumption of Mass Transit Train Services (MTTS) by the Federal Government, while investors are being invited to partner with the Niger State Government to construct and run rail services between Minna and Abuja. With our attractive investment policies and incentives, Niger state will surely become the investors’ destination of choice once we are able to put our rail, water, road and air transport infrastructure in proper shape.

6. Let me take this opportunity to reiterate that Government is also prepared to assist the Road Transport Unions/Associations to acquire vehicles for their mass transit operations in line with our principle of partners in progress, for the development of Niger State. We, however wish to express concern over the reckless abandonment of vehicles on our highways and around our urban cities, with the attendant environmental hazards. The relevant agencies of Government have been directed to enforce the laws and to punish offenders in respect of violation of highway codes and regulations. This should also be applicable to the local government councils.

7. Let me take this opportunity to strongly warn that the Management of Niger State Transport Authority must maintain the highest standard of professionalism and discipline in managing its fleet of vehicles, not only to enable Government repay the loan within 2 years, but to continue to be of service to the people of Niger State in particular and Nigerians in general. Probity, accountability and good maintenance culture must be your watchwords and must be adhered to, at all times.

8. Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, may I now take much pleasure in launching these 50 Toyota-Hiace Buses (14-seater capacity) to boost the operations of Niger State Transport Authority (NSTA) for the benefit of mankind and to the glory of Allah (SWT).

9. Thank you and God bless