Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has unveiled a sweeping transport intervention package valued at over ₦1 billion, alongside the distribution of 500 electric tricycles to operators across Maiduguri metropolis and Jere Local Government Area of the state.
The initiative, which targets 1,000 Keke NAPEP riders, is part of the state government’s broader strategy to modernize urban mobility, reduce operating costs, and cushion the economic strain on transporting workers and residents.
The eco-friendly tricycles were originally inaugurated on December 20, 2025, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, marking a significant collaboration between federal and state authorities to promote sustainable transport solutions.
Speaking at the launch held at the Government House in Maiduguri, Zulum described the programme as a deliberate effort to empower vulnerable operators while advancing environmental sustainability.
“This initiative is not just about distributing tricycles; it is about restoring dignity, improving livelihoods, and creating a more efficient and affordable transportation system for our people,” the governor said.
He emphasized that the electric tricycles, procured months earlier, are designed to lower operational costs and reduce dependence on fuel, while contributing to a cleaner urban environment.
To ensure accessibility, the state government has committed to subsidizing 30 percent of the cost of each tricycle, with a structured repayment plan to be managed by a designated committee.
“The subsidy is intended to ease the financial burden on beneficiaries and guarantee that the programme remains inclusive and impactful,” Zulum added, stressing the need for strict adherence to operational guidelines to sustain the initiative.
Beyond the tricycle distribution, the governor announced a direct financial intervention targeting 16,783 registered riders drawn from 25 transport associations.
Each beneficiary is to receive ₦50,000, as part of measures to mitigate the impact of prevailing economic challenges.
According to Zulum, the ₦1 billion support package underscores his administration’s commitment to strengthening the informal transport sector, which remains a critical component of urban mobility and job creation in the state.
Chairman of the Borno State Empowerment Committee, Hon. Saina Buba, disclosed that each electric tricycle has a range of up to 65 kilometers per charge, making them both efficient and cost-effective for daily operations.
He noted that beneficiaries were transparently selected through their respective associations, without political interference, to ensure fairness and credibility in the process.
The event drew top government functionaries and political leaders, including members of the National Assembly and the Borno State House of Assembly, underscoring the significance of the intervention in the state’s economic recovery and development agenda.
Observers say the programme could serve as a model for other states seeking to integrate clean energy solutions into public transportation while addressing unemployment and rising living costs. (vitalnewsngr.com)
