GOVERNOR SIMON BAKO LALONG COMMISSIONED 80 UNITS OF FORD GALAXY VEHICLES PROCURED BY PLATEAU STATE GOVERNMENT IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NURTW, PLATEAU STATE COUNCIL

SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF PLATEAU STATE, RT. HON. (DR) SIMON BAKO LALONG AT THE COMMISSIONING OF 80 UNITS OF FORD GALAXY VEHICLES PROCURED BY PLATEAU STATE GOVERNMENT IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NATIONAL UNION OF ROAD TRANSPORT WORKERS (NURTW) PLATEAU STATE COUNCIL, HELD ON FRIDAY 28TH FEBRUARY, 2020 AT VIO TESTING GROUND, OLD AIRPORT ROAD, JOS.
PROTOCOLS

1. It is with joy and sense of fulfilment that I address you today as we commission the 80 units of vehicles procured by through a partnership between the Plateau State Government and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Plateau State Chapter.
2. This landmark event speaks volumes of our determination to boost transportation in the State, which is no doubt the backbone of economic activities and a facilitator of business and human interaction.
3. You will recall that soon after our re-election into office for another term, we enunciated our Next Level Vision anchored on three-point policy that encapsulates Peace, Security, and good governance; Physical Infrastructural Development; and Sustainable Economic Re-birth.
4. We are therefore gathered here to further promote the transportation industry, which is at the core of sustainable economic rebirth, as it relates to the movement of goods and people from one part of the State to another and beyond.
5. The 80 vehicles we are a fulfilment of the commitment I made to the officials of the NURTW Plateau State Chapter, who during a courtesy call on me, appealed for collaboration and support towards the purchase of the buses.
6. Our administration is of the firm believe that this will enable NURTW members have access to transport vehicles that will not only assist them and their families, but also have a multiplier effect on creation of wealth in the State.
7. As a government that has passion for empowering its citizens, I had no hesitation in approving the request of the Union and directing the release of funds for the purchase of the buses. Moreover, members of the Union had raised 50 percent of the amount.
8. This is the type of Public Private Partnership collaboration that we believe will go a long way in creating jobs and reducing crime on our streets. We shall therefore continue to offer support to similar ventures in our State.
9. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, let me reiterate that our rescue Administration is committed to improving the transportation infrastructure of the State.
10. This is why we are determined to the completion of the 28 road projects inherited from the previous governments, in addition to the 25 roads and bridges awarded by my administration.
11. We have also continued the implementation of Operation Zero Potholes by intervening in critical roads within the Jos-Bukuru Metropolis. Most of the failed portions of roads have been rehabilitated thereby bringing relief to motorists and residents.
12. Despite our lean resources. We have decided to intervene in some Federal Roads within the State, because of their economic importance to the people. We hope that the Federal Government will eventually reimburse us so that we can do more.
13. During our visit to President Muhammadu Buhari last week, I tabled our request for the Federal Government’s urgent intervention for Dualization and Construction of some Federal Roads within our State, which are very critical to our economy.
14. These include Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe Road; Taraba State Border-Shendam-Namu-Nasarawa State Border Road; Panyam-Bokkos-Nasarawa State Border Road; Lantang-Wase-Bashar-Taraba State Border Road; and Jos-Jengre-Kaduna-State Border Road.
15. Government is fully aware of the current state of affairs at the Plateau Express Services Limited. We are in the process of reviving Plateau Riders, as talks are ongoing with investors to procure 100 buses for the company as well as turn around its operations for better efficiency, accountability and profitability.
16. We have equally acquired the Bus Terminal from Nasarawa State Government and will soon handover the facility officially to the Ministry of Transport to manage it.
17. Government will soon constitute the management of the Plateau State Road Traffic Administration and Vehicle Inspection Agency, which will address the numerous problems facing the Transport Sector and enhance traffic management in the State.
18. I urge motorists particularly the beneficiaries of these vehicles, to observe all traffic rules and imbibe safe driving culture to avoid needless loss of lives and associated damages to the vehicles.
19. The situation where drivers engage in overloading, reckless over-speeding, night journeys, driving under the influence of alcohol and other substances, indiscriminate parking and proliferation of unauthorized motor parks, will not be tolerated. We must put safety above profit and pleasure.
20. I call on the NURTW to sensitize their members on the need to remain law abiding and treat passengers with dignity and courtesy, while avoiding any act that can cause a breach of the law. Government will continue to count on your support towards consolidating peace and security on the Plateau.
21. Finally, I urge the beneficiaries of these vehicles to abide by the terms of the agreement for the acquisition of these buses to facilitate the commencement of the second phase of the scheme.
22. It is on this note that I have the privilege and honour to officially commission these buses to the glory of God and the benefit of humanity.
23. Thank you and God bless Plateau State.

Rt. Hon. (Dr) Simon Bako Lalong
Executive Governor Plateau state &
Chairman, Northern Governors Forum.
28th February 2020.