Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, unveiled 100 electric vehicles (EVs) for permanent secretaries and empowerment initiatives in Calabar on June 12, marking Democracy Day. The first batch of 36 EVs was handed over to permanent secretaries, with plans to increase the total to 100 in subsequent phases.
Transition to Clean Energy
Governor Otu described the initiative as the beginning of a broader transition to clean energy transportation and a renewed commitment to strengthening the state's public service architecture. Speaking at the presentation ceremony, he emphasized that the gesture was designed to dignify public service, improve governance efficiency, and reduce transportation costs for senior civil servants.
Rewarding Competence
Otu praised permanent secretaries as some of the most competent professionals in the country, stressing that a strong bureaucracy is the engine room of government. He stated, "Cross River State is never lacking in capacity. Some of the people we are trying to strengthen are among the best in the country. Nobody can beat them, but whoever puts in labour deserves a reward."
Why Electric Vehicles?
The governor explained that the decision to embrace electric mobility followed a careful assessment of rising transportation costs and vulnerability to petroleum sector fluctuations. While initially considering compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles, the administration settled on EVs as a more sustainable option. He noted that about 60% of people's expenses are on transportation, which would reduce with EV adoption.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
Otu highlighted that beneficiaries would save over 75% on fuel and maintenance costs. "With these vehicles, you don't change oil or constantly visit mechanics. Once the battery is charged, the car is ready to move," he said. The 36 vehicles handed over represent the first batch of a larger programme involving 100 EVs and 100 electric tricycles for empowerment and public transportation.
Expansion Plans
The governor plans to extend the initiative to other arms of government and eventually make electric mobility accessible to a wider population. He also announced plans to establish charging infrastructure across the state, with substantial progress already made in developing service points and charging stations for public officials and citizens.
Legislative Support
Otu commended the Cross River State House of Assembly for supporting the administration's developmental programmes through legislative backing and budget approvals. He noted that many achievements would not have been possible without the legislature's cooperation.
Historic Milestone
Earlier, Head of Service Barr Orok Okon described the vehicle presentation 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 over a decade, commending the governor for breaking the cycle. "Generations of permanent secretaries in the last ten years were not this fortunate. Today, His Excellency has broken that jinx," Okon said. He assured the governor that the gesture would be repaid with greater dedication and commitment to service delivery.
