Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Thursday launched a N1 billion empowerment programme alongside the distribution of 500 electric tricycles to 1,000 operators in Maiduguri metropolis and Jere.
The eco-friendly tricycles, initially inaugurated on December 20, 2025, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, form part of the state government’s efforts to modernize transportation and ease economic hardship.
Speaking at the Government House in Maiduguri, Zulum said the initiative targets less privileged tricycle riders while also reducing transportation costs for residents.
“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,” the governor said.
He explained that the electric tricycles, procured months earlier, are now being formally distributed to beneficiaries, calling it a major step toward sustainable and modern transportation.
Zulum added that the government would subsidize 30 percent of the cost of each tricycle to make them affordable, while a designated committee would oversee the payment structure.
“The tricycles are being given to riders with the dual purpose of empowering them economically and reducing transportation costs for the public,” he stated, urging beneficiaries to comply with operational guidelines.
In addition, the governor approved N1 billion in financial support for 16,783 registered Keke Napep riders across 25 associations in the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere, with each beneficiary set to receive N50,000 to cushion economic hardship.
Chairman of the State Empowerment Committee, Hon. Saina Buba, noted that each electric tricycle can travel up to 65 kilometers on a single charge and added that beneficiaries were selected transparently through their respective associations.
The event was attended by key political figures, including Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, and other federal and state lawmakers, as well as top government officials.
