Rivers State’s COVID-19 palliative buses have reportedly stopped operating, with the vehicles currently parked at the Rivers State Transport Company yard over alleged funding challenges.
The development has left drivers attached to the scheme with two months of unpaid salaries, according to reports.
The transport initiative was introduced by the Rivers State Government on June 1, 2020, during the COVID-19 lockdown, to provide free transportation for residents and ease the economic impact of the pandemic.
The scheme was later expanded as part of efforts to cushion residents from rising transportation costs.
One of the affected drivers reportedly told our correspondent that the salary arrears had made it difficult for him to provide for his family, particularly with the rising cost of food and other necessities.
The development comes more than a month after Governor Siminalayi Fubara presented the 2026 Rivers State budget to the State House of Assembly, which has yet to pass the appropriation bill.
It remains unclear, however, whether the delay in passing the budget is directly responsible for the reported failure to release funds for the operation of the buses.
The situation is reportedly different for regular Rivers State civil servants, as the government has continued to pay their salaries and implement promotions.
The suspension of the palliative transport scheme has therefore raised concerns among affected workers and residents who relied on the buses for affordable transportation.
