The Katsina State Government has announced plans to revolutionize its transportation system with the bulk procurement of electric and solar-powered vehicles and tricycles. This initiative, approved by the State Executive Council (SEC) under the leadership of Governor Dikko Radda, aims to alleviate the burden of high fuel costs on residents while generating employment opportunities for the youth.
Additionally, the government has unveiled an ambitious project to construct a 20-storey building in Victoria Island, Lagos, as part of its strategy to enhance revenue generation through strategic real estate investments.
State Moves Toward Greener, Affordable Transport Solutions
Addressing journalists after the SEC meeting on Thursday at the Government House in Katsina, the Director General of the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency, Aisha Aminu, highlighted the significance of the newly approved transport program. According to Aminu, the initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to providing affordable, eco-friendly public transportation, thereby reducing reliance on petroleum-powered vehicles in light of soaring fuel prices.
“We have identified IRS, a well-established Kano-based company, alongside another reputable supplier, to provide the electric and solar-powered vehicles and tricycles. This effort is designed to ease transportation costs for residents and simultaneously create job opportunities, particularly for young people across the state,” Aminu stated.
Katsina’s Real Estate Investment in Lagos
In a related development, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Intergovernmental, Development Partners, and Liaison Services, Hadiza Maikudi, disclosed that the SEC had also sanctioned the construction of a 20-storey residential building in Victoria Island, Lagos. The high-rise project, situated on a prime piece of land owned by the Katsina State Government, is expected to serve as a lucrative revenue-generating asset.
“This landmark project represents a strategic investment by the state government aimed at boosting revenue and maximizing the value of its property assets in one of Nigeria’s most commercially vibrant cities,” Maikudi explained. “The development is scheduled to be completed within 24 months and will provide luxury and high-standard accommodation, reinforcing Katsina’s presence in the Lagos real estate market.”
The dual initiatives—introducing sustainable transportation solutions within the state and making strategic property investments in Lagos—underscore Katsina’s commitment to economic development, innovation, and sustainability. These projects reflect the administration’s broader vision to improve the quality of life for residents while ensuring long-term financial gains for the state.
Observers and industry experts have praised the state’s forward-thinking approach, particularly in exploring alternative transportation models amid rising fuel costs and the push for greener energy solutions. Meanwhile, stakeholders in the real estate sector anticipate that the 20-storey Lagos development will serve as a model for state-owned investment projects aimed at revenue diversification.
As these initiatives unfold, Katsina residents and potential investors will be watching closely to see how the government delivers on its promises to drive economic growth and environmental sustainability in the region and beyond.
