Some drivers in Kano have commended the Federal Government for easing the ban on interstate movement.
A cross section of the drivers who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria in separate interviews on Tuesday in Kano, described the gesture as “commendable.’’
Isa Umar, a driver at Kofar Wambai Motor Park, said the measure would facilitate resumption of transportation services, hitherto, suspended due to the COVID-19 lockdown.
Umar said the lockdown had forced drivers out of business and exposed them to difficulties.
“We were staying idle during the COVID-19 lockdwon, most of us found it difficult to fend for our families, but with this development, I hope things will get better,” he said.
Kalla Usman, another driver, said that the partial lifting of the ban would facilitate normal shuttle on highways and enhance transportation services in the country.
While commending the gesture, Usman assured that they would abide by the COVID-19 safety protocols approved by the government.
Ibrahim Yusuf, an official of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in the park, said the union had sensitised its members on the need to adhere to the COVID-19 safety protocols.
Yusuf explained that passengers were encouraged to use face masks while sitting arrangements for vehicles had been adjusted in conformity with the social distancing measures.
He urged commercial vehicle operators to reciprocate the gesture by ensuring strict compliance with the safety measures, warning that erring drivers would be sanctioned.
The Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, on Monday announced series of measures for the Phase II of ease of the lockdown, which included partial lifting of the restrictions on interstate travels.
