FG Commissions 100 Electric Buses For Civil Servants As HCSF Walson-Jack Bows Out

The Federal Government, through the outgoing *Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack*, has commissioned *100 Renewed Hope Mass Transit Electric Buses* for federal civil servants, describing the initiative as a practical demonstration of government’s commitment to workers’ welfare and productivity.

Walson-Jack spoke on *Wednesday* at the commissioning ceremony at *Eagle Square, Abuja*. She said *37 buses* presented at the event constitute the first batch of the 100 electric buses procured under the *Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund*.

The outgoing HCSF described the event as her “parting gift” to federal civil servants, noting that her tenure ends within 24 hours.

_“It is with so much joy in my heart that I welcome you to this epoch-making commissioning of 100 Renewed Hope Mass Transit Electric Buses for federal civil servants.

What we have here is 37 buses, being the first instalment of the 100 Electric Buses,”_ she said.

_“I could not have asked for a more fitting note on which to close this chapter of service than receiving and handing over the keys to something that will keep moving, keep working, long after I have gone home.”_

*Investment In Productivity, Not Just Welfare*

Walson-Jack said transportation goes beyond moving people, stressing that daily commuting has direct implications for civil servants’ finances, safety, punctuality and productivity.

She noted that the buses would ease transportation costs, reduce commuting risks, and enable workers to arrive at work in better physical and emotional condition.

_“An intervention that makes transportation safer, more reliable, and more affordable is, therefore, not a peripheral welfare gesture; it is an investment in a more productive Civil Service,”_ she said.

The HCSF added that the buses represent visible proof that government understands the daily realities of its workforce.

She linked the initiative to other welfare measures under *President Bola Ahmed Tinubu*, including the upward review of the minimum wage, wage award after fuel subsidy removal, digitalization reforms, and renewed focus on pensions, promotions, employee compensation and health insurance.

_“The Renewed Hope Agenda lives not only in policy documents, but in interventions that Civil Servants can see, board, and feel the benefit of every day,”_ she said.

*Sustainable Operations, Nationwide Deployment*

Walson-Jack appreciated President Tinubu for his support for civil service transformation. She also commended *Senator John Owan Enoh*, Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, for the symbolic handover of the buses.

She acknowledged the contributions of *Mrs. Patience Oyekunle*, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources; *Dr. Garba Abdul Sule*, Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office; *Dr. Chris Isokpunwu*, Permanent Secretary, FMITI; *Dr. Zacch Adedeji*, Chairman, Nigeria Revenue Service; and *Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin*, DG, National Automotive Design and Development Council.

The HCSF stressed the need for a sustainable framework for deployment. She said routes and schedules must be transparent and equitable, with proper arrangements for maintenance, qualified drivers, safety, cleanliness and monitoring.

Operations will begin with a *pilot phase on selected routes* in Abuja, with full deployment to follow. The buses will also be deployed to *Federal Secretariats across states* where appropriate.

_“A Special Purpose Vehicle has been established to ensure their proper management, maintenance and long-term sustainability,”_ she said.

Walson-Jack urged civil servants to protect the buses as public assets.

_“They are yours to use, but also yours to protect,”_ she said.

She also urged them to reciprocate with improved punctuality, productivity and dedication.

_“That is the entire logic of what we launch today: productivity, dignity and safety, delivered on four wheels,”_ she added.

As she prepares to leave office on *Thursday*, Walson-Jack charged managers of the buses to ensure they remain functional and beneficial for years.

_“I may leave office tomorrow, but these buses and the reform journey of the Federal Civil Service must keep moving. There should be no breakdown on either route!”_

She thereafter formally commissioned the *Renewed Hope Mass Transit Electric Buses* for the Federal Civil Service.