Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, chose Democracy Day to unveil 36 electric vehicles for Permanent Secretaries in the state civil service, declaring the move a first step toward a clean energy transition. The governor also announced plans for an additional 100 electric vehicles and 100 electric tricycles for empowerment and public transportation. The gesture, he said, was designed to dignify public service, improve efficiency, and reduce transportation costs for senior civil servants.
Who received the electric vehicles?
The first batch of 36 electric vehicles went to Permanent Secretaries in the Cross River State Civil Service. The Head of Service, Barrister Orok Okon, noted that no Permanent Secretary had received such a benefit in more than a decade. The governor also announced plans to extend the initiative to other arms of government and eventually make electric mobility accessible to the wider population.
Where will these vehicles operate?
The vehicles will be used across Cross River State for government business. The governor also announced plans to establish charging infrastructure across the state, including charging ports for vehicles that will serve the public.
What did Governor Otu unveil on Democracy Day?
He unveiled 36 electric vehicles for Permanent Secretaries – the first batch of a larger programme involving 100 electric vehicles and 100 electric tricycles. The vehicles are electric, not CNG. The governor explained that while the administration initially considered Compressed Natural Gas vehicles, they settled on electric as a more sustainable option. Beneficiaries will save “almost more than 75 per cent” on fueling and maintenance costs, as electric vehicles do not require oil changes or frequent mechanic visits.
When did this announcement happen?
The presentation ceremony occurred on Democracy Day – Friday, June 12, 2026. The news was published on June 12, 2026.
Why is Governor Otu rolling out electric vehicles now?
He cited the rising cost of transportation and the vulnerability of citizens to fluctuations in the petroleum sector. He argued that about 60 per cent of expenses are on transportation. The move is also a political gesture – rewarding senior civil servants ahead of future elections. The governor said: “Whoever puts in labour also deserves a reward.”
How will the electric vehicle programme be sustained?
The governor announced plans to set up charging ports across the state. He said the relevant ministries are already working on the infrastructure. He also noted that the Cross River State House of Assembly supported the administration’s programmes through budget approvals, implying that the vehicles were funded through the state budget.
5 key questions raised by Governor Otu’s electric vehicle roll-out.
1. The cost of 100 electric vehicles and 100 tricycles is not disclosed – raising transparency concerns. Electric vehicles are expensive. Importing them requires foreign exchange. The governor announced a major procurement without revealing the cost. Citizens have a right to know: how much public money was spent? Who supplied the vehicles? What was the procurement process? Transparency would strengthen public trust.
2. The governor claims beneficiaries will save 75 per cent on fueling – but charging infrastructure is not yet ready. Electric vehicles are cheaper to run – if you have reliable electricity and charging stations. The governor admitted that charging ports are still being planned, not yet operational. Until the infrastructure is in place, the vehicles may be unusable or dependent on expensive generators.
3. No Permanent Secretary has received a vehicle in over a decade – why now? The Head of Service noted that generations of Permanent Secretaries were not this fortunate. The timing suggests a political calculation. With elections approaching, rewarding senior civil servants can be seen as an attempt to secure loyalty. The governor must ensure this is a genuine efficiency measure, not a campaign tool.
4. The shift from CNG to electric vehicles is interesting – but CNG is cheaper to produce locally. The governor said they considered CNG because Nigeria has abundant gas, then switched to electric. Electric vehicles are cleaner and quieter, but Nigeria’s electricity grid is unreliable. Unless Cross River has a dedicated power source, charging electric vehicles may be challenging. The decision needs justification.
5. The governor promised that “everybody should be able to own the keys to an electric car” before the end of his term – a bold claim. Electric cars are still expensive globally. For every citizen to own one in a few years is unrealistic. The governor may have been speaking rhetorically. But voters may hold him to that promise – and be disappointed when it is not fulfilled.
How this affects Cross River State residents.
i. The vehicles may improve government efficiency – if they are used properly. Permanent Secretaries with reliable transport can visit projects, attend meetings, and supervise ministries more effectively. That could improve service delivery. But only if the vehicles are used for official duties – not personal errands.
ii. The charging infrastructure, if built, could benefit ordinary citizens. The governor plans to set up charging ports for public use. That infrastructure could encourage private adoption of electric vehicles. It could also create jobs in installation and maintenance.
iii. The cost of the vehicles could have been spent on other priorities – healthcare, education, roads. Cross River State faces many challenges. The governor chose to spend significant resources on electric vehicles for senior civil servants. Some citizens may question whether that was the best use of funds.
iv. The programme could reduce Cross River’s dependence on petrol. Petrol prices are volatile. Electric vehicles run on electricity, which can be generated locally (hydro, solar). If successful, the state could become less vulnerable to national fuel price hikes.
v. The promise of electric vehicles for “everybody” may raise expectations that cannot be met. The governor said: “Before the end of our term, or at the beginning of the next, everybody should be able to own the keys to an electric car.” That is a massive promise. If it fails, the backlash could damage his credibility.
Advice from this analyst.
1. To Governor Bassey Otu: publish the full cost of the electric vehicle programme. Disclose the supplier, the procurement process, and the total expenditure. Transparency will silence critics and build public trust.
2. To the Cross River State Government: prioritise charging infrastructure. Vehicles without chargers are useless. Ensure that charging ports are installed before the vehicles are distributed – or within a short, published timeline.
3. To the Permanent Secretaries who received vehicles: use them for official duties. Keep records. Do not use government vehicles for personal errands. The public is watching. Abuse of these vehicles will undermine the programme.
4. To civil society organisations in Cross River: request procurement documents. Investigate whether the vehicles were purchased at fair market value. Publish your findings. Accountability ensures that public funds are not wasted.
5. To the people of Cross River State: support innovation – but demand accountability. Electric vehicles are good for the environment and for reducing fuel costs. But they must be part of a broader development plan. Do not be distracted by shiny vehicles. Ask also about schools, hospitals, and roads.
A question to make you reflect.
If Governor Otu can afford 100 electric vehicles for civil servants on Democracy Day, why have past administrations failed to provide basic amenities like clean water and functional primary healthcare centres in many Cross River communities?
The honest answer is a question of priorities. The governor has decided that rewarding senior civil servants and promoting clean energy is a priority. Others might argue that clean water and healthcare are more urgent. Both can be true. The state can pursue multiple priorities simultaneously. But voters will judge: are the electric vehicles a genuine step toward development – or a political gimmick designed to secure loyalty before the next election? The answer will determine how this Democracy Day gesture is remembered.
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Akahi News gathered that Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu rolled out 100 electric vehicles on Democracy Day – 36 for Permanent Secretaries, with more to come. The governor says the move will dignify public service, reduce transportation costs, and transition the state to clean energy. The Head of Service says no Permanent Secretary has received a car in over a decade. But questions remain: how much did the vehicles cost? Where will they be charged? Could the money have been better spent? The governor has made a bold promise: eventually, everyone in Cross River will own an electric car. That is a vision. Now the state waits to see if it is a vision or just a speech.