In a bold and controversial move to sanitize operations within the Pacesetter Transport Service (PTS), its Chairman and Administrator, Dr. Ibrahim Oladeji Salami (DIKKO), has embarked on an aggressive anti-corruption campaign that has resulted in mass staff disengagement and ignited widespread debate over institutional restructuring.
Speaking on a radio programme, DIKKO revealed that he inherited a near-collapsed transport system plagued by deep-rooted corruption, inefficiency, and financial disorder. At the time, the agency reportedly operated only five functional buses and generated a paltry ₦220,000 daily revenue, while juggling multiple problematic bank accounts.
Determined to reverse the decline, the PTS boss introduced sweeping reforms, including the implementation of a digital card payment system to eliminate cash leakages. The impact was immediate and dramatic, with daily revenue surging by over 1,200 percent to approximately ₦3 million.
However, the reforms came at a cost. DIKKO acknowledged that dismantling entrenched corruption networks necessitated difficult decisions, including the disengagement of several staff members. He described the move as a “survival strategy” rather than an act of high-handedness, insisting that the restructuring was essential to reposition the agency for long-term sustainability.
Beyond financial reforms, the transformation of PTS has also been visible in its operational capacity. The fleet has expanded significantly from just five buses to over 140 vehicles, supported by strategic partnerships and mechanical rehabilitation efforts. Plans are also underway to further modernize the agency, including the privatization of its mechanical department and direct sourcing of spare parts from international manufacturers to reduce costs.
Despite these achievements, DIKKO’s methods have stirred mixed reactions among stakeholders. While some commend his firm stance against corruption and applaud the remarkable turnaround, others question the human cost of the reforms, particularly the scale of job losses.
The unfolding developments at PTS have thus become a classic case of what many describe as “bitter medicine” painful but necessary reforms aimed at restoring efficiency and accountability in public institutions.
As the debate continues, DIKKO maintains that his priority remains clear: to build a transparent, efficient, and financially viable transport system that serves the people of Oyo State effectively.
[Source: Naija Today News]
