FG FLAGS OFF THE PILOT PHASE OF FEDERAL CIVIL SERVICE BUS SCHEME

FG FLAGS OFF THE PILOT PHASE OF FEDERAL CIVIL SERVICE BUS SCHEME

The Federal Government has launched the pilot phase of the Federal Civil Service bus scheme under the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. The ceremony was performed by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi Esan, to commemorate the 2022 Civil Service Week.

According to Dr. Yemi-Esan, the Scheme is informed by the desire to ease the pains being encountered by Civil Servants in commuting to and from work, lamenting that it always saddens her watching Civil Servants struggling with other commuters at Bus Stops trying to board vehicles to work or going home, after closing hours. It is against this backdrop, having in mind earlier failed arrangements, that the idea of a Public-Private-Partnership was muted in order to tackle this ugly trend, once and for all. This is coming at a critical time in our national life, where resources are limited and demands, numerous, hence the need to be proactive.

She further stated that the buses are environmentally and Civil Servants-friendly due to the fact that they use eco –friendly Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). The operation of the bus scheme is cashless for civil servants, as it is on a pay-as-you-earn basis. It is tied to a beneficiary’s salary via the IPPIS platform.

The Head of Service also disclosed that Civil Servants with disabilities are not left out of the bus scheme, as arrangements are being made to procure customized buses that are wheel chair friendly, for them. The pilot phase of the scheme, she maintained, is critical as it gives opportunity to identify and solve the challenges that may arise as the operation progresses

She said that Staff Welfare being one of the pillars of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan, 2021 – 2025 (FCSSIP25) is geared towards addressing issues that deal with socio - economic well-being of civil servant, as well as curtail number of lose time due to the lack of a seamless transportation model. This will, greatly, facilitate their efficiency and effectiveness at work.

Earlier in her Welcome Remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office, Dr. Ngozi Onwudiwe, who was represented by Mrs. Uchenna Obi said that the Scheme is, indeed, a milestone in the continuous efforts at improving the welfare of Civil Servants through the provision of efficient, affordable, and safe transportation system within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and its environs.

She also disclosed that a total number of twenty (20) buses are being deployed for the pilot phase to ply six designated routes namely; Karu,Jikwoyi, Orozo, Karshi route; AYA, Nyanya, Mararaba, Ado and Masaka route; Berger, Kado, Gwagwa, Karmo route; Kado Estate and Gwarimpa route; Airport Road route; and Kubwa and Dutse Alhaji route respectively. She however, commended the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi–Esan for her visionary leadership especially on her commitment to the welfare of Civil Servants.

In his Address at the occasion, the Chief Executive Officer of FEMADAC, Mr Fola Akinnola, commended the Head of Service for her tireless efforts toward ensuring that the transport model becomes a reality for the benefit of all Civil Servants. Mr. Akinnola gave glowing tribute to the Head of Service’s sense of commitment and sincerity of purpose, while the negotiation lasted. He also appreciated the Head of Service and her Staff for the opportunity to serve, promising not to disappoint.

 

M .A. Ahmed,

Deputy Director, Communications.

 22nd June, 2022.