Has KTSTA’s resuscitation paid off?

Serious minded-governments are always determined to give priority to transport sector because of its relevance in the social and economic life of its citizenry; and such governments periodically review their transport policy primarily to strengthen the sector for optimal result.Since 1967 when states were first created in Nigeria, for example, states and even local governments […]

Serious minded-governments are always determined to give priority to transport sector because of its relevance in the social and economic life of its citizenry; and such governments periodically review their transport policy primarily to strengthen the sector for optimal result.
Since 1967 when states were first created in Nigeria, for example, states and even local governments have their own different transport system to ease the transportation difficulties of their own people in the hands of shylock private transporters. Many a times the federal government as a matter of a deliberate policy used to intervene with the supply of mass transit vehicles to states, local governments and even individuals as well as private organisations at subsidised rates.
Katsina State is one of the few states in Nigeria with a success story in public transport venture since its creation from the old Kaduna State in 1987. And, since then, whoever was appointed the General Manager of the transport company right from its pioneer helmsman, Engr. Bara’u Gafai to the present one, would always strive to exhibit competence, foresight and vision in the discharge of his assigned responsibilities. 
It is needless to say Katsina State Transport Authority (KTSTA) is one of the government commercial companies widely respected for their aggressive revenue drive since the coming of Barrister Ibrahim Shehu Shema in 2007 as governor who strongly believed in effective transport system for acceleration of economic and social activities in the state.
The company was not doing badly at the time of Shema’s predecessor Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’adua. And, when Shema took over, he soon wanted to continue and further improve on the services of the transport company to stand the test of time. The governor gives every support to resuscitate and make the transport company keeps afloat. And, today the company is one of the few successful transport outfits in Nigeria involved in intra, inter and international operations with over 100 fleets of different vehicles.
One of the Shema’a close aides was once reported to have disclosed that the governor was moved by the success being recorded at the business-oriented company and he would not mind to assist the organisation with any support that will keep on the place shinning.
The transport company buys a bus every month to boost its fleet with its internally generated revenue. The one it acquired in December last year brings to 12 the total number of buses the transport outfit purchased in 2013 through the revenue it generates. The initiative, introduced by the present management of the company, is the first of its kind in the history of the organisation.
The transport outfit at present, to be precise, has a total of 137 on its fleet since the time the present management of the organisation took over the administration of the place. The governor early last year boosted the organisation with nine vehicles and another four vehicles were recently supplied to the outfit by the governor all in appreciation of the good things the organisation is doing for the state. 
Shema is giving high premium to the transport sector. The administration provides an annual matching grant of N100 million to the organization to boost its operations. This is probably because of the increasing complexities in the travel and need for a viable transport sector, as well as in response to the socio-economic and historical circumstances.
The transport company has a number of core values that place service delivery ahead of all things, thus setting all the necessary managerial and technical impetus in place for the realization of its objectives. And, today, KTSTA can boast of a modern functional transport system, with enhanced welfare for the common man. The vehicles at its fleet which are of different brand, size and specifications include 59-seater luxury marc polo, 52-seater MB 1721, 30-seater MB 606, SI seater MB 1418, 26-seater IVM Innosom, 18-seater Toyota Hiace and Kia Cerato for car hire services with a chauffeur drive.
KTSTA covers the whole state and beyond; it also has a reach-out to Lagos, FCT and Kaduna. Others are Kano, Gombe, Bauchi and Sokoto. A critical element in the concept of a new route entails a lot of feasibility studies that is based on need assessment before taking into consideration, advantages which the passengers stand to benefit. International route covered by the company are Maradi and Damagaran in Niger Republic as well as some parts of Senegal.
As a mark of commitment and given that the greater percentage of its passengers are low-income earners and mostly from rural areas, the governor approved for the provision of breakfast to its early morning passengers that are on a long journey.
The transport company continues to pursue its objectives diligently, and it has continued to commit what is available to it to build a greater future. By all standard of efficiency, the company is building more confidence and waxing stronger for attaining wider objectives.
Gambo Rimi wrote from Rimi town, Katsina State.