Zulum Rolls Out N1bn Transport Support, Distributes 500 Electric Tricycles to Borno Riders

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum has unveiled a sweeping transport intervention package valued at ₦1 billion, alongside the distribution of 500 electric tricycles to operators across Maiduguri metropolis and Jere Local Government Area.

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 launchiNg 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.

Zulum Rolls Out N1bn Transport Support, Distributes 500 Electric Tricycles to Borno Riders

Zulum Visits Ngoshe, Pledges Reconstruction of Damaged Infrastructure

…Vows Ngoshe Will Not Fall Again

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Sunday, visited Ngoshe which is about 40 kilometres away from Gwoza to see for himself the level of damage.

Zulum, who has embarked on a two-day confidence and resilience-building tour to victims of recent Boko Haram attacks in Ngoshe and Pulka, disbursed cash and relief items to over 30,000 people affected by the recent incident.

Speaking to newsmen shortly after inspecting the affected community, the governor described the level of destruction as shocking and heartbreaking.

“It is saddening to see this kind of devastation. In recent times, I have not witnessed such destruction. It is sheer madness, but Insha Allah, we shall build back better,” the governor said.

He assured residents of Ngoshe in Gwoza Local Government Area that government will rebuild homes and public infrastructure destroyed by recent attacks, while intensifying security efforts to restore lasting peace in the area.

Zulum said he had directed officials of the Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement to immediately assess the extent of the damage with a view to rehabilitating all burnt structures.

“I am here with representatives of the Ministry for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement, and I have directed them to assess the level of damage so that all the burnt infrastructure can be rehabilitated,” he said.

The governor noted that the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, had recently released funds to the Multinational Joint Task Force to boost military operations in the region.

“I am pleased to announce the support and funding recently released by the Federal Government of Nigeria, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to the Multinational Joint Task Force for military operations in this general area,” he said.

He explained that the Mandara Hills remain a major stronghold for insurgents, stressing that the only effective response is to take the battle directly to them.

The governor commended the military authorities, particularly the General Officer Commanding 7 Division and the Brigade Commander, for their renewed effort in Ngoshe.

According to him, security presence in the area has now been significantly reinforced.

“The military has taken over Ngoshe again. They have increased the number of personnel in Ngoshe by 100 per cent, and I believe with what they have done so far, we will keep Ngoshe secure,” Zulum added.

…Vows Ngoshe Will Not Fall Again

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has reaffirmed the commitment of both the Federal Government and Borno State Government to decisively address the lingering security challenges in the state, assuring residents of Ngoshe that the town will not be allowed to fall back into the control of insurgents insha Allah.

Addressing troops of 82 Division Task Force Battalion Ngoshe, Zulum said efforts are ongoing to strengthen the military’s capacity.

“I want to assure you that the Federal Government of Nigeria, and indeed the Government of Borno State, in partnership with the Armed Forces, will do everything possible to contain the lingering security situation,” he said.

The governor emphasized the strategic importance of Ngoshe, warning that its fall could have wider security implications for surrounding communities.

“Ngoshe is very important. The fall of Ngoshe would send a very bad signal to Pulka, Kirawa, Gwoza, and even Bama. We shall not allow this town to be taken over again by insurgents.”

Governor Babagana Zulum was accompanied on the visit by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, member House of Assembly representing Gwoza, Hon. Abdullahi Buba Abatcha, Commissioner for Transport and Energy, Mohammed Lawan Buba, and Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, among other personalities.

Zulum Visits Ngoshe, Pledges Reconstruction of Damaged Infrastructure

Zulum Spends Night Coordinating Security in Pulka

… Disburses Cash, Palliative to over 30,000 Ngoshe, Pulka Households

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor spent the entire Saturday night coordinating security activities in Pulka following the recent attacks in Ngoshe, Pulka and other communities in Gwoza.

This is the first time a sitting governor has slept in Pulka, a community 22 kilometres from Gwoza.

Governor Zulum held a security meeting with the Brigade Commander, military officers, security personnel, and civilian JTF to discuss strengthening security in the general area.

He said leadership is all about commitment and sacrifice which has been the hallmark of his administration since he assumed office.

“Leadership is not about living in your comfort zone and addressing people and their concerns, but coming directly to the doorsteps of the less privileged. This has been my tradition, this has been my culture since I assumed duty as the governor of the state,” Zulum said.

“I cannot remember when I lived consecutively for 10 days in my office or even one week since I assumed duty. I’m always in the remote areas attending to people, and I believe this is what we should do from now on to the end of my own administration,” he added.

… Zulum Disburses Cash, Palliative to over 30,000 Ngoshe, Pulka Households

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has distributed cash, food, and non-food items to over 30,000 affected households of Ngoshe and Pulka communities.

The relief item is intended to provide succor to victims of the recent attack and to the host communities.

“Each male and female heads of household in Ngoshe will receive N30,000, while married women will receive N20,000. In addition, mattresses and clothing will be distributed to both men and women,” Zulum announced.

The governor disclosed that the intervention would also cover Pulka community which has been impacted by the influx of displaced persons from neighbouring areas.

He further acknowledged the support of the Federal Government and Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who donated 30,000 bags of 10kg rice to support vulnerable populations in the state.

“Out of the 30,000 bags, Pulka community will benefit from the scheme. We are distributing both food and non-food items not only to Ngoshe but also Pulka, which is also a displacement-affected community,” Zulum noted.

Governor Zulum called on residents of affected communities in Gwoza to remain patient and cooperate with security agencies, assuring them of sustained efforts by both the federal and state governments to restore lasting peace.

“They should give the necessary cooperation to all security agencies with a view to identifying culprits within the society. Information is a very valuable tool for addressing insecurity. Without the support of the community, insecurity will never end,” he added.

Items distributed include rice, maize, guinea corn, mattresses, and plastic mats.

Those on the governor’s entourage include Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, member representing Gwoza, Damboa, and Chibok at the national assembly, Hon. Ahmed Jaha, Chairman Palliative Distribution Committee and member representing Monguno, Nganzai, Marte, Hon. Bukar Talba, member representing Gwoza state constituency; Commissioners for Local government and that of Transport and Energy; Special Advisers and other government officials.

Zulum Spends Night Coordinating Security in Pulka