Zulum Unveils 500 Electric Tricycles to Foster Clean Environment and Youth Employment in Borno
In a significant move to enhance environmental sustainability and economic opportunities, Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has officially launched the distribution of 500 electric tricycles, valued at N1 billion. This initiative aims to boost a clean environment and provide employment for youths across the state, specifically targeting 1,000 Keke Napep operators in Maiduguri metropolis and Jere Local Government Area.
Empowering Communities Through Modern Transportation
The environment-friendly electric tricycles were inaugurated on December 20, 2025, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as part of Governor Zulum's broader efforts to modernize transportation and alleviate economic hardships among residents. During the launch event at the Government House in Maiduguri over the weekend, Zulum emphasized that the e-tricycles initiative is designed to empower less-privileged Keke Napep riders and reduce transportation costs for commuters in the Metropolitan Council and Jere area.
"I am privileged to launch this empowerment programme for about 1,000 beneficiaries among tricycle riders in Maiduguri and Jere today, to the glory of God and for the benefit of humanity," Zulum stated. He highlighted that these eco-friendly tricycles represent a crucial step toward modernizing transportation while promoting environmental sustainability to mitigate climate change impacts in Borno.
Financial Support and Subsidies for Beneficiaries
Governor Zulum noted that a designated committee will oversee the payment structure for the tricycles, with the state government subsidizing 30 percent of the cost to ensure affordability for beneficiaries. "The state government will subsidize part of the cost by 30% to make them affordable," he added, underscoring the dual purpose of economically empowering riders and reducing public transportation expenses.
Beyond the tricycle distribution, Zulum revealed a substantial financial intervention of N1 billion to support transportation workers, cushioning the effects of economic hardship. A total of 16,783 registered Keke Napep riders from 25 Associations across the Metropolitan Council and Jere will each receive N50,000 in financial assistance. "We have approved a financial intervention amounting to N1 billion to support transportation workers and cushion the impact of hardship on their livelihood," he explained.
Ensuring Accountability and Long-Term Success
Beneficiaries are expected to adhere to rules and guidelines provided by the committee to ensure order, accountability, and the programme's long-term success. Zulum congratulated all recipients and urged them to utilize the opportunity productively, while commending the organizing committee and the Commissioner for Transportation for their coordination efforts.
Hon Saina Buba, Chairman of the Borno State Empowerment Committee (BOEC), provided technical details, noting that each electric tricycle can cover a distance of 65 kilometres on a single charge. He assured that beneficiaries were carefully identified and selected by Association leaderships, with no influence from the governor or state officials, ensuring transparency in the selection process.
