By Abdullahi Alhassan
Borno, Nigeria, April 09,2026(Series News Online)- Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has ordered the immediate release of 20 electric buses for public transportation to reduce the hardship caused by the recent increase in petrol prices.
The buses were part of a larger fleet commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on December 20, 2025. The commissioning also covered 3,000 electric bicycles, 500 electric tricycles, and 100 electric cars procured to upgrade the state’s transport system.
The deployment began on Friday, April 3. The fleet consists of 17 buses with 49-seat capacity, two 37-seaters, and one 28-seater. They are now operating along key routes within Maiduguri and neighbouring communities to reduce commuting expenses for residents.
“These are fully air-conditioned and energy-efficient buses that can travel more than 400 kilometres on a single charge,” a government statement noted. The new buses will support an existing fleet of conventional buses and saloon cars earlier introduced by the Zulum administration to improve urban mobility.
To support operations, the state has built what officials described as Nigeria’s largest electric vehicle charging terminal, capable of powering 50 vehicles simultaneously.
Governor Zulum has also instructed the Borno Express Transport Service to peg fares at N50 per trip to shield residents from the effects of the global energy crisis.
“The intervention is already easing congestion and giving students, civil servants, traders, and other residents access to affordable transportation,” the government said.
Passengers praised the move as timely. “This transport initiative is commendable. We are not feeling the impact of rising transportation costs because fares remain at N50 per drop. We thank Governor Zulum for the gesture,” said a commuter in Maiduguri.
The initiative is part of Governor Zulum’s drive to promote green energy, modernize the state’s transport network, and provide relief to vulnerable groups.
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Transportation