The Kebbi House of Assembly has passed the Transport Authority Bill, 2024, into law, tailored to improve the state’s transportation system.

This development followed the consideration of a report from the House Committee on Transport and Renewable Energy presented during the assembly’s plenary session on Tuesday.

Presenting the report, the committee chairman, Atiku Bello-Kurya (APC-Gwandu), reminded members that Governor Nasir Idris decided to establish the transport authority to relieve the people of transportation difficulties and movement of goods.

“The action will also reduce expenses of workers on transport costs, which has become major consumer of workers’ salaries.

“This is a relief for workers shuttling between Birnin Kebbi, the state capital and surrounding towns.

“Furthermore, the designated routes covered (both intra and inter-city), within the city, other towns nationwide as well as neighbouring Republic of Niger and Benin Republic,” he said.

According to him, passengers will enjoy travelling from Birnin Kebbi to major towns in the state and places like Maiduguri, Kano, Kaduna, Lagos, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, and Sokoto.

“Shuttle will also extend to Niamey, Maradi and Gaya in Niger Republic, while provision has similarly been made for commuters travelling to Maleville in the Republic of Benin,” he explained.

Mr Bello-Kurya thanked all the stakeholders who participated in the public hearing and provided written and oral inputs to contribute to the report’s success.

Muhammad Adamu (APC-Ngaski) presented the motion of the bill for a third reading, which was seconded by Abubakar Imam-Besse (APC-Koko/Besse).

The speaker of the House, Muhammad Usman (APC-Zuru), who presided over the plenary session, put the motion to a voice vote, and the lawmakers unanimously adopted the bill’s amendment.

The Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2024 also scaled the second reading.

(NAN)