Governor Kabir Yusuf.

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has commissioned 29 refurbished vehicles previously auctioned by the immediate-past administration but retrieved and restored by the current government.

The vehicles, belonging to the Kano State Road Traffic Agency (KAROTA) and the Ministry of Education, were rehabilitated to save the state millions of naira that would have been spent on purchasing new ones.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Tuesday.

The commissioning ceremony coincided with World Sustainable Transport Day and was held at the Kano Government House.

While commissioning 24 vehicles refurbished by KAROTA, Governor Yusuf urged the agency to utilize the vehicles effectively to enhance their operations, particularly in reducing road accidents, combating smuggling, and addressing illicit drug activities.

He also advised KAROTA officers to treat motorists with respect and politeness, emphasizing the significant contributions of A Daidaita Sahu drivers to the state’s economic growth.

The Governor announced plans to replace the current KAROTA uniforms with new, more suitable attire, encouraging the agency’s staff to remain dedicated to their duties.

Regarding the five refurbished Hilux vehicles belonging to the Ministry of Education, Governor Yusuf commended the ministry for its initiative and urged other ministries to follow suit, thereby reducing government spending on vehicle procurement.

He revealed that the Hilux vehicles were initially purchased in 2015 during Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s administration and were restored in 2024 after being sold off by the previous government.

The Governor also disclosed that his administration is set to procure new buses, saloon cars, and luxury vehicles for distribution to the youth as part of an empowerment programme.

He said the vehicles would be made available on an instalment payment basis to ensure affordability and accessibility.

The Commissioner of Education, Alhaji Haruna Umar Doguwa, and the Managing Director of KAROTA, in their separate remarks, expressed their gratitude to Governor Yusuf for approving the retrieval and refurbishment of the vehicles.

They noted that the restored vehicles would significantly contribute to the development of the state.