Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has directed the immediate deployment of 20 luxury electric buses for public use to cushion the impact of the recent petrol price hike on residents.
The buses were inaugurated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on December 20, 2025, alongside 3,000 electric bicycles, 500 electric tricycles, and 100 electric vehicles aimed at improving transportation services across the state.
The rollout, which commenced on Friday, April 3, features a fleet of 17 buses with 49-seat capacity, two 37-seaters, and one 28-seater. The vehicles are currently being deployed across major routes within Maiduguri metropolis and its environs to ease the burden of rising transport costs on commuters.
The fully air-conditioned and energy-efficient buses can cover over 400 kilometres on a single charge. The initiative complements the existing fleet of buses and salon cars earlier procured by the Zulum administration to enhance urban mobility.
To ensure seamless operations, the governor also established what officials described as the largest electric vehicle charging terminal in the country, with the capacity to charge up to 50 vehicles at a time.
In addition, Governor Zulum directed the Borno Express Transport Service to maintain a subsidised fare of N50 per drop to protect residents from the ripple effects of the global energy crisis.
The intervention is already yielding positive results, with noticeable reductions in congestion and improved access to affordable transportation for students, civil servants, traders, and other residents.
Some commuters commended the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful. One resident noted that the N50 fare has helped reduce the financial strain caused by rising transportation costs.
The initiative forms part of the state government’s efforts to promote green energy, modernise the transportation system, and provide relief for vulnerable residents.
