By Augustine Ehikioya
The Federal Government on Wednesday commissioned the first batch of 100 Renewed Hope Mass Transit Electric Buses for Federal Civil Servants.
The outgoing Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, described the intervention as a “dream come true” and her parting gift to the service.
The commissioning, held at Eagle Square, Abuja, was performed by Walson-Jack, who is set to bow out of office on the 27th of August, 2026.
Addressing guests, Walson-Jack said transport goes beyond moving people, noting that for many civil servants daily commuting shapes finances, safety, punctuality and productivity.
“It restores an hour once lost haggling over fares, it eases the burden on a salary that already carries too many demands; and it removes a risk that no worker should have to accept twice a day merely to earn a living in service of this country,” she said.
She said the buses, with 37 delivered as the first instalment, were made possible through the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“On this very glorious day as a very wonderful parting gift to federal civil servants made possible by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu… it is my privilege to cut the tape to commission one hundred buses, Renewed Hope Agenda Electric Buses, for Federal Civil Servants,” she said while commissioning the vehicles.
Speaking to journalists on her last day, Walson-Jack said: “Wow I feel wonderful. I’m so grateful to God… that Federal Civil Servants will now have the benefit of a luxurious ride from home to the office and back. I pray that these buses will be indeed welfare for all the Federal Civil Service nationwide. That it will improve their productivity, it will ensure their safety.”
She urged civil servants to protect the buses: “Treat these buses as your own personal assets… it is your responsibility to protect them.”
Walson-Jack concluded: “I may leave office tomorrow, but these buses and the reform journey of the Federal Civil Service must keep moving. There should be no breakdown on either route!”
The Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, who handed over the buses, said the programme was about welfare, productivity and industrialisation.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu understands that reform must ultimately have a human face… This is what Mr. President means when he speaks about Renewed Hope, reform that ultimately produces a stronger economy and a better life for our people,” Enoh said.
The Minister praised Walson-Jack for her “determination in bringing this programme to reality” and called the buses “one of your final gifts to the Service you have led.”
NADDC Director-General, Otunba Joseph Osanipin, said the electric buses have zero percent emission and cost 40% less to maintain than diesel vehicles.
According to him, the bus can run up to 200 kilometers on a full charge, while locations of buses and occupants can be monitored at all times.
He said charging infrastructure has been deployed to 15 universities for research and training, with the remaining buses expected to be delivered on or before December 2026.
Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office, Dr. Garba Abdul Sule, called the commissioning “another practical demonstration of the government’s commitment to the welfare of federal civil servants.”
A representative of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council, Comrade Daniel, said: “Mobility is one of the key to national development. We thank you for providing these buses… The workers of the Federal Civil Service appreciate you.”
