The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing (FMW&H), Mr Babangida Hussaini, has said the ministry will continue to give priority to staff welfare.
Hussaini said that this would motivate staff to give their best to the service of the nation.
He disclosed this in a statement by the Director of Press and Publicity in the ministry, Mrs Boade Akinola, to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja.
He made the remarks while handing over four newly acquired 36-seater Toyota Coaster buses for the staff of the ministry, through the union, Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE).
The official handover event took place at the Ministry’s headquarters with some of management staff, labour union executives and some staff members of the ministry in attendance.
The permanent secretary said he was grateful to God for making the purchase possible and to the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, for granting approval for the procurement.
He praised the union executives for their maturity during the procurement period.
Hussaini said he was dedicating the purchase to the retiring Director of Human Resources Works and Housing, Mr Umar Utono, for his wise counsel and for the follow-ups that made the purchase a reality.
He promised that more staff buses would be bought as the procurement was in batches while the old ones that were grounded would be refurbished.
Responding, the retiring director said “I cherish the permanent secretary for the official handover of the buses to staff members.
“It is one event that will remain in my memory and the permanent secretary has provided welfare for staff within a short period.
“The four buses will cover major routes, such as Bwari /Dutse, Suleja, Karshi /Jikwoyi and Gwagwalada.
“It is a major milestone,” he said.
The AUPCTRE Chairman in the ministry, Comrade Sunday Sanusi, said “When I heard that these vehicles have been purchased it was like a dream to me.
“I am using this opportunity to say thank you to the permanent secretary and the management for making it a reality.”
The official handover was rounded off with the permanent secretary test driving one of the buses.
