Cross River State Governor, Sen. Bassey Otu, has unveiled 36 Electric Vehicles (EVs) in the first batch of the exercise to the state’s Permanent Secretaries with the intent of increasing it to 100 in the subsequent batches.

The governor said that the initiative was the beginning of a broader transition to clean energy transportation and a renewed commitment to strengthening the state’s public service architecture.

Speaking during the presentation ceremony held as part of activities marking Democracy Day on Friday, Otu said the gesture was designed to dignify public service, improve efficiency in governance and reduce the burden of transportation costs on senior civil servants.

Describing Permanent Secretaries as some of the most competent professionals in the country, Otu stressed that a strong bureaucracy remained the engine room of government.

“Cross River State is never lacking in capacity at any point in time. Some of the people we are trying to strengthen are among the best you can think of in the country. Nobody can beat them, as far as I am concerned. But whoever puts in labour also deserves a reward,” he stated.

Otu explained that the state’s decision to embrace electric mobility followed a careful assessment of the rising cost of transportation and the vulnerability of citizens to fluctuations in the petroleum sector.

According to him, while the administration initially considered Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles, it eventually settled for electric vehicles as a more sustainable option.

He explained that about 60 per cent of the people’s expenses are on transportation, which would reduce with the acquisition of EVs.

Highlighting the economic and environmental benefits of the initiative, Otu noted that beneficiaries would save significantly on transportation and vehicle maintenance costs.

“Today, you are going to save almost more than 75 per cent of what you expend on fueling your cars and running up and down. With these vehicles, you are not changing oil or constantly visiting mechanics. Once the battery is charged, the car is ready to move,” he explained.

The governor further 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 purposes.

He revealed plans to extend the initiative to other arms of government and eventually make electric mobility accessible to a wider segment of the population.

Otu also announced plans to establish charging infrastructure across the state to support the growing adoption of electric vehicles.

According to him, the administration had already made substantial progress in developing service points and charging stations that will facilitate the operation of electric vehicles for both public officials and ordinary citizens.

“Beyond these cars, we are going to begin to set up charging ports, particularly 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 developmental programmes through legislative backing and budget approvals.

He noted that many of the achievements recorded by his administration would not have been possible without the cooperation of the legislature.

Earlier, the Head of Service, Barr 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, commending the governor for breaking the cycle.

He said: “Generations of Permanent Secretaries who worked for 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 further assured the governor that the gesture would be repaid with greater dedication and commitment to service delivery.