Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed has approved the absorption of all personnel of the Bauchi Road Traffic Agency (BAROTA) into the mainstream of the Bauchi State Civil Service. The decision was announced by the Commissioner for Works and Transport, Professor Titus Ketkuka, after a meeting convened by the Governor at Government House, Bauchi. The move aims to address the agency’s longstanding operational and welfare challenges.
The Governor took the step following persistent industrial actions by BAROTA staff, largely caused by irregular payment of salaries and other operational challenges. Professor Ketkuka explained that the Governor had earlier directed the Ministry of Works and Transport to investigate the challenges facing the agency and recommend the best way forward.
Presenting the findings, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Muhammad Hamisu Garba, said a committee visited states including Kano, Yobe, and Lagos to study the operations of similar road traffic agencies. The committee discovered that such agencies are funded by their respective state governments while generating revenue on behalf of government.
Based on the committee’s recommendations, Governor Bala Mohammed approved the integration of all BAROTA staff into the Bauchi State Civil Service. The Governor also directed that the affected staff be placed on the Bauchi State minimum wage and enjoy all the rights, benefits, and responsibilities of civil servants.
Speaking on behalf of the agency, the Director-General of BAROTA, Zubairu Mato, expressed profound appreciation to Governor Bala Mohammed for what he described as a historic and compassionate decision. He said the absorption would boost staff morale, enhance productivity, and strengthen the agency’s capacity to effectively manage road traffic across the state.
The absorption of BAROTA staff into the Bauchi State Civil Service marks a significant milestone in addressing the agency’s welfare and operational challenges. The decision is expected to boost staff morale and improve road traffic management across the state.
