About 800 government and public transport drivers in Kebbi state have received training on modern traffic rules and regulations to reduce road accidents.
The induction course is a prelude to the take off of the Kebbi Transport Authority Law, which Governor Nasir Idris has already assented to, after passage by the House of Assembly.
The Commissioner for Transport and Renewable Energy, Hon. Bala Muhammad Yauri Gagga, said Governor Idris has placed premium on safeguarding lives and property of passengers and drivers.
He said: “The governor reintroduced intensive training for both drivers in government employment and for commercial drivers to fully enlighten them on traffic stipulations and adherence to the law.
“It is obligatory on drivers to respect the rules and regulations of vehicular movement whenever they are behind the steering wheel.
“Kebbi is highly committed to reducing cases of road accident anywhere in the state.”
Hon. Gagga announced that his ministry has also been empowered to embark on water transport along maritime communities in the state.
“Already, the ministry has taken possession of six boats delivered by the government. They will be stationed in Zamare, Yauri, Dolekaina, Ngaski, Samanaji and Zauro,” Gagga stated.
The commissioner added that the incumbent administration would consider the provision of vehicles to members of all the drivers union for public transport under an agreement to be finalised in due course.
“The unions want the government to give them money to purchase the vehicles or alternatively, have the privilege to receive them on soft loan from the government,” he stated.