Nigerian government has concluded plans to purchase disability vehicles for civil servants.
The Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Folashade Yemi-Esan disclosed this in Abuja, Nigeria at the launch of a pilot phase of the Federal Civil Servants Bus Scheme.
The Head of Service said the move was aimed at improving the welfare of Civil Servants by providing an efficient, affordable and safe transportation system.
“For the social inclusion of Persons With Disabilities, arrangements have been concluded with the private sector operators to acquire customized buses that will be Wheelchair accessible”.
“This implies that the buses will have lower sets , automated ramps and spaces within the buses to enable our physically challenged officers on wheelchairs or crutches commune with ease.
According to her, the Scheme is being implemented through a private sector operations by providing high capacity intra-city buses with automated paying system.
“A total number of 20 buses are being deployed in this pilot phase. The operation of the Bus Scheme will be cashless to enable Civil Servants to commute safely and securely to their offices and residences.
“Travel cards will be made available to civil Servants at their respective Ministries, Departments and Agencies through the Human Resource Administration Departments and the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System number will be a form of identification.
“This pillar is targeted at addressing issues bothering on the socioeconomic wellbeing of civil Servants which if not tackled holistically, is capable of impeding the efficiency of our workforce. Hence the Federal Civil Service bus scheme is aimed at providing efficient transportation system for our workers living within the Federal Capital Territory and its outskirts.
“Another over aching goal of the scheme is s to increase the disposable income of the Civil Servants within the Federal Capital Territory by reducing the cost of transportation to and from their work places. It’s also important to us to decongest the makeshift bus stops around the Secretariat.
“You all agree with me that once it’s 4: o’clock, the number of civil Servants that will be seen rallying around the Secretariat is not good at all. So, I’m sure this Bus service will also deal with that”. The Head of Civil Service emphasised.”
Yemi-Esan admonished Civil Servants to take proper care of the buses and use the opportunity to their best advantage.
“We’ve tried so hard to make sure it’s comfortable both in the bus and also very comfortable to the pockets. We’ve also made it possible for us to pay in advance, to pay on pay day. You can actually buy as much tickets as you want for the month so that you don’t wait until the last day of the month when there isn’t much in the pocket to say ‘I didn’t have much money to come to work’. So we looked at all these and ensure that it’s Civil Servants friendly.
“Rather, the value proposition is for government to create a transport system that is convenient, comfortable and affordable for all Federal Civil Servants to enjoy.
She added that 20 more buses will soon be added to the ones launched.
