By Kingsley Agim
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – The Cross River State Executive Council has approved the direct procurement of 150 units of Daihatsu Hijet mini buses as part of a new empowerment initiative aimed at supporting vulnerable and less-privileged groups across the state’s three senatorial districts.
Approving the memo from the Ministry of Transportation, signed by the Commissioner, Pastor Ekpenyong Cobham, the Council described the initiative as “more than a routine procurement, but a strategic intervention designed to restore dignity, hope, and economic independence at the grassroots.”
The Council noted that many households across the state still grapple with “the stark reality of economic exclusion,” despite ongoing reforms by the administration of Governor Bassey Edet Otu.
According to Exco, the Otu-led administration has made significant strides in poverty reduction, but the need to provide direct, productive tools to the most disadvantaged remains urgent. “For the vulnerable, poverty is not a statistic; it is a daily struggle for survival,” Cobham told the Council. “This initiative seeks to move our people from dependence to productivity.”
The approved minibuses will be distributed equitably, with 50 units allocated to the Northern, Central, and Southern Senatorial Districts, a structure the Council said ensures “balanced development and inclusivity across all regions.” It emphasised that the vehicles would support small-scale enterprises, boost rural transportation, and stimulate commercial activity.
Highlighting the economic impact, the memo described the minibuses as “productive assets capable of transforming 150 beneficiary groups into viable micro-enterprises,” with ripple effects expected in job creation, transport accessibility, and local commerce.
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“This project stands as a cornerstone of the administration’s mid-term achievements,” the memo added, “demonstrating a clear, impactful use of state resources.”
The Daihatsu Hijet model was chosen for its durability, fuel economy, and suitability for commercial transport within both urban and rural terrains. “It is a tested and trusted vehicle for high-frequency, low-cost mobility,” an official familiar with the procurement explained. “We expect these units to serve the beneficiaries for many years.”
The direct procurement, the Council noted, was recommended to fast-track delivery. “The Direct procurement is to allow for complete acquisition and distribution within the 2025 fiscal year, ensuring immediate impact on the lives of our people.”
The Council described it as an affirmation of Governor Otu’s commitment to “building a legacy of shared prosperity that leaves no one behind.”
With the approval, the appropriate agency is expected to commence procurement processes immediately and begin distribution to beneficiaries across the three senatorial districts.
