Katsina approves bulk purchase of electric vehicles to ease transport costs

The Katsina state executive council has approved the bulk purchase of electric and solar-powered vehicles and tricycles to ease transportation costs.

The decision followed the council’s meeting presided over by Dikko Radda, governor of Katsina, on January 5.

According to a statement on Thursday by Ibrahim Mohammed, chief press secretary to the governor, the council also approved the construction of a 20-story residential building on the state’s property in Lagos.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Aisha Malumfashi, director-general of the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA), said the procurement of electric and solar-powered vehicles aims to provide subsidised transport fares for residents while addressing rising petrol costs.

She added that the transport initiative aims to create employment opportunities for the state’s youth population.

“We have identified IRS, a renowned Kano-based company, and another supplier as the approved vendors for this transformative initiative,” Malumfashi said.

Speaking on another development, Hadiza Maikudi, special adviser to the governor on intergovernmental, development partners and liaison services, announced the approval for the construction of a 20-story residential building in Victoria Island, Lagos.

She described the project as a strategic investment aimed at boosting the state’s revenue.

Maikudi said the project, scheduled for completion within 24 months, represents a “strategic investment to enhance the state’s revenue base”.