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IBADAN – In a remarkable display of administrative acumen and financial wizardry, Dr. Ibrahim Oladeji Salami, popularly known as DIKKO, has orchestrated a stunning turnaround at the Pacesetter Transport Service (PTS), Nigeria’s transport agency, pulling it back from the precipice of total collapse. As the Chairman and Administrator of PTS, DIKKO’s bold reforms have transformed the agency into a thriving, multi-million naira revenue-generating machine, a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence.
Speaking on the high-profile political program The Situation Room on Fresh FM 105.9, hosted by veteran journalist Mayor Isaac Brown, Dr. Salami Dikko shared a gripping narrative of how he inherited a ghost of a company, with only five functional buses left on the road and a chaotic financial system comprising 16 different bank accounts, many of which were frozen or garnished. The agency was struggling to generate a meager ₦220,000 in daily revenue, a far cry from its potential.
However, Dr. Ibrahim Oladeji Salami’s arrival marked a turning point in the agency’s fortunes. With a PhD in Accounting and a reputation for getting things done, he set about dismantling the systemic corruption that had plagued PTS for years. In September 2023, he introduced a modern card system, eradicating the “leaky” cash payment system that had drained the company dry. This single reform triggered a massive 1,200% surge in income, pushing daily revenue to a consistent ₦3 million.
The path to recovery was not without its challenges, as Dr. DIKKO faced resistance from those whose illicit revenue streams were cut off. He dismissed allegations of high-handedness, asserting that the restructuring was a survival move for the state-owned entity. The fight against “deep-seated corruption” led to necessary staff disengagements, but Dr. Oladeji Salami Dikko remained resolute in his mission to restore PTS to its former glory.
Beyond the balance sheets, the physical transformation of the fleet has been equally dramatic. From the five functional buses he found at the start of his tenure, Dr. Ibrahim Oladeji Salami has aggressively expanded the fleet to 142 operational vehicles. This was achieved through the mechanical revival of grounded buses and a strategic partnership with the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI), which added 30 CNG buses to the fleet.
Looking ahead, Dr. DIKKO is steering PTS toward total modernization. He announced a two-month countdown to privatizing the mechanical department, eliminating “archaic” repair methods and reducing costs. To combat the soaring cost of maintenance, the agency is now bypassing local middlemen to source parts directly from Chinese manufacturers.
With the state government expected to deliver 50 brand-new buses shortly, bringing the total fleet to 192, Dr. Ibrahim Oladeji Salami DIKKO’s vision has expanded the service far beyond Ibadan. The Pacesetter Transport Service now operates 22 routes, connecting Shaki, Iseyin, and Ogbomoso, and providing reliable interstate travel to Lagos and Abuja – all monitored in real-time through a centralized ICT room.
As Dr. Ibrahim Oladeji Salami DIKKO continues to chart a new course for PTS, his leadership has become a beacon of hope for the people of Oyo State. His commitment to excellence, transparency, and accountability has set a new standard for public sector management, inspiring confidence in the agency’s ability to deliver quality service to the people.
In conclusion, Dr. Ibrahim Oladeji Salami DIKKO’s remarkable turnaround at PTS is a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence and his ability to think outside the box. As he continues to drive the agency forward, one thing is clear: the people of Oyo State are the ultimate winners in this remarkable story of resilience and determination.
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