Naira crunch: KDSG announces free transportation, basic health services

The Kaduna State Government on Tuesday announced one week free transportation and basic health services to ease the hardship being encountered by residents of the state due to the current cash crunch.

A statement by Muyiwa Adekeye, Special Adviser to the state Governor on Media and Communication, said the decision was taken at the end of the State Security Council meeting in Kaduna.

He however said the free transport services would only be along designated routes in Kaduna, Kafanchan and Zaria.

“This will be done in partnership with the transport unions, who will provide the buses and tricycles.”

Adekeye also said all state government owned health facilities will offer free routine care for common illnesses like malaria and typhoid.

“It will be in addition to the free care for pregnant women and children younger than five years that has been government policy since 2015.

“Prescriptions will be given, and the health facility visited will administer drugs, if available.”

The governor’s media aide, however, said to access the services, citizens must present their National Identity Number or the Kaduna State Residency Card.

He added that palliative would be provided to needy citizens as was done during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Adekeye said the government would welcome every act of relief for citizens from other Nigerians.

The meeting, chaired by Gov. Nasir El-Rufai, was attended by heads of federal security agencies, traditional rulers and key state officials.