Governor Zulum Launches 500 Electric Tricycles to Boost Jobs and Clean Transport in Borno
Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has officially launched the distribution of 500 electric tricycles, valued at N1 billion, as part of a strategic initiative to promote cleaner transportation and generate employment opportunities for young people across the state. This significant move is a key component of a broader program aimed at supporting 1,000 tricycle operators within the Maiduguri metropolis and Jere Local Council areas.
Initiative Aims to Modernize Transport and Alleviate Economic Hardship
The environmentally friendly electric tricycles were initially inaugurated on December 20, 2025, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as part of national efforts to modernize the transport sector and ease economic challenges. During the launch event held over the weekend at the Government House in Maiduguri, Governor Zulum emphasized that the program is specifically designed to assist less-privileged tricycle operators and reduce transportation costs for local residents.
"The e-tricycles initiative was designed to empower less-privileged Keke Napep riders and reduce transportation costs for residents across the Metropolitan Council and Jere Local Council," Zulum stated. "I am privileged to launch this empowerment programme for about 1,000 beneficiaries among tricycle riders in Maiduguri and Jere today."
He clarified that the tricycles, which were procured several months earlier, are now being formally distributed to the selected beneficiaries. "These eco-friendly tricycles represent a step towards modernising transportation while promoting environmental sustainability," he added.
Government Subsidies and Oversight to Ensure Program Success
To ensure the affordability and sustainability of the initiative, Governor Zulum announced that a designated committee will oversee the payment structure, with the state government subsidizing 30 percent of the cost. Beneficiaries are expected to adhere to established guidelines to maintain accountability and long-term viability.
In a related development, Zulum disclosed that 16,783 registered tricycle operators from 25 associations in Maiduguri and Jere will each receive N50,000 as a financial intervention to cushion economic hardship. "We have approved a financial intervention amounting to N1 billion to support transportation workers. A total of 16,783 registered riders will each receive N50,000," he explained.
The governor congratulated the beneficiaries and urged them to utilize this opportunity productively to improve their livelihoods and contribute to the state's economic growth.
Technical Details and Selection Process
Chairman of the Borno State Empowerment Committee, Saina Buba, provided technical insights, noting that each electric tricycle can cover approximately 65 kilometers on a single charge. He assured that the selection of beneficiaries was conducted transparently by their respective associations, without any external influence, to ensure fairness and integrity in the distribution process.
This comprehensive initiative underscores the state government's commitment to fostering sustainable development, enhancing public transport infrastructure, and creating job opportunities in a post-conflict environment.
