Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has unveiled 36 electric vehicles for Permanent Secretaries in the State's civil service, describing the initiative as the beginning of a broader shift to clean energy transportation and a renewed commitment to strengthening the public service architecture.
Speaking during the presentation ceremony held as part of Democracy Day activities, Governor Otu said the gesture aims to dignify public service, improve governance efficiency, and ease the transportation burden on senior civil servants.
"One of the main directions and focuses of our administration is to build integrity in service, dignify our officials, and give them the confidence to perform at the highest possible level," the Governor said.
Describing Permanent Secretaries as among the most competent professionals in the country, Otu stressed that a strong bureaucracy remains the engine room of government. "Cross River State has never lacked capacity. Some of the people we are strengthening today are among the best you'll find anywhere in this country. Nobody can beat them, as far as I'm concerned. But whoever labours also deserves a reward," he stated.
The Governor explained that the state's shift to electric mobility followed a careful assessment of rising transportation costs and citizens' vulnerability to fluctuations in the petroleum sector. According to him, while the administration initially considered Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles, it eventually settled on electric vehicles as a more sustainable option. "We discovered that about 60 percent of our expenses go to transportation. We first looked at CNG because we have abundant gas in the country, but it later became clear that if we want to truly support our people, going electric is the better path," he said.
Highlighting the economic and environmental benefits, Otu noted that beneficiaries would save significantly on both transportation and vehicle maintenance. "Today, you will save more than 75 percent of what you currently spend on fuel and running costs. With these vehicles, there's no oil change and fewer trips to the mechanic. Once the battery is charged, the car is ready to go," he explained.
The Governor disclosed that the 36 vehicles handed over to Permanent Secretaries represent the first batch of a larger programme involving 100 electric vehicles and 100 electric tricycles earmarked for empowerment and public transportation. He further revealed plans to extend the initiative to other arms of government and eventually make electric mobility accessible to a wider segment of the population. "This is the first in a series. We still have a lot to do. Before the end of our term—or by the start of the next, everyone should be able to own the keys to an electric car. That will make movement seamless," he said.
Governor Otu also announced plans to establish charging infrastructure across the state to support the growing adoption of electric vehicles. According to him, the administration has already made substantial progress in developing service points and charging stations for both public officials and ordinary citizens. "Beyond these cars, we will begin to set up charging ports, especially for those that will serve the public. We have gone quite far with the plans, and the relevant ministries are already working on them," he added.
The Governor used the occasion to commend the Cross River State House of Assembly for supporting the administration's development programmes through legislative backing and budget approvals. He noted that many of the achievements recorded would not have been possible without the legislature's cooperation. "For us to get all these things done, we had to sit down, debate, and pass the budget. Together, we will continue to build a very strong Cross River State that all of us will be proud of," he remarked.
Earlier, the Head of Service, Barrister Orok Okon, described the presentation of the vehicles as a historic milestone and a major morale booster for the state civil service. He noted that no Permanent Secretary had enjoyed such a benefit in more than a decade, praising Governor Otu for breaking the cycle. "Generations of Permanent Secretaries who served this state in the last ten years were not this fortunate. Today, His Excellency has broken that jinx. The first beneficiaries of the latest global technology in electric automobiles are Permanent Secretaries serving in the Government of Cross River State. We can never thank you enough," he said, assuring the Governor that the gesture would be repaid with greater dedication and commitment to service delivery.
By Daniel Bebia
