Katsina State has begun a major shift towards cleaner public transportation with the launch of CNG hybrid buses and electric tricycles as part of a wider urban mobility programme.
Vice President Kashim Shettima launched the transport initiative during his one-day visit to the state on Sunday, alongside the commissioning of 11.2 kilometres of roads in Katsina metropolis.
The transport package includes 30 CNG hybrid buses and 200 electric tricycles, while the state government plans to deploy 500 electric tricycles across Katsina.
The buses are expected to operate in Katsina, Daura and Funtua, extending the new transport system across the state’s three senatorial districts.
Governor Dikko Radda said the initiative was designed not only to improve mobility but also to create economic opportunities around the emerging electric transport sector.
“The introduction of electric tricycles will also create opportunities for the development of charging infrastructure, vehicle maintenance services, technical training and other supporting enterprises,” Radda said.
The governor said the state was adopting an approach he described as “From Energy Transition to Economic Transformation”, with the aim of developing a wider transportation ecosystem rather than simply introducing new vehicles.
The government has established a main terminal and workshop in Katsina, with mini-terminal stations in Daura and Funtua. It is also providing 40 modern bus stops across the three selected local government areas, with facilities including Wi-Fi and solar inverter systems.
Radda said the infrastructure was necessary to ensure that the new transport system remained functional and accessible.
“Effective public transportation requires not only vehicles but also functional terminals, maintenance facilities, passenger infrastructure and reliable operational arrangements,” he said.
The Vice President also commissioned three road projects covering 11.2 kilometres.
They comprise the dualised 4.8km Kofar Sauri–Central Mosque Roundabout Road, the dualised 2.4km Central Police Station Junction–Kofar Kaura Underpass Road and the newly constructed 4km Filin Polo–Ring Road.
Radda said the roads were part of 12 major urban renewal projects being implemented in Katsina metropolis to improve traffic flow and reduce travel time.
“Our development philosophy is to establish an integrated and interconnected road network rather than undertake isolated projects,” the governor said.
He disclosed that more than 240km of urban and rural roads had also been covered through ongoing infrastructure interventions across the state.
According to him, the wider road programme is intended to improve access to markets, schools and healthcare facilities while supporting agriculture, commerce and private-sector investment.
Radda said the new transport fleet would particularly benefit students, workers, traders and other residents who depend on affordable public transportation.
He added that the state would continue to extend urban renewal efforts to Daura and Funtua while maintaining focus on sustainability, accountability and proper management of the infrastructure.
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