By Abdullahi Alhassan
Kaduna, Nigeria, April 16, 2026(Series News Online)- Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Thursday flagged off a N1 billion empowerment scheme and distributed 500 electric tricycles to 1,000 operators in Maiduguri metropolis and Jere Local Government Area.
The electric Keke Napep units were first unveiled on December 20, 2025 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of Governor Zulum’s plan to modernise transport and ease economic pressure in the state.
Speaking at the launch held at the Government House, Governor Zulum said the programme targets underprivileged tricycle riders and seeks to lower transport fares for residents of the Metropolitan Council and Jere.
“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,” Zulum said.
He explained that the electric tricycles were procured months ago and are now being formally handed over to less-privileged operators.
“These eco-friendly tricycles represent a significant step toward modernising transportation while promoting environmental sustainability,” the governor stated.
Zulum said a designated committee would manage the repayment framework for the tricycles, with the state government absorbing 30 per cent of the cost to keep them affordable.
“The government will subsidise part of the cost by 30 per cent to make them affordable. The tricycles are being given to riders with the dual purpose of empowering them economically and reducing transportation costs for the public,” he said.
He directed beneficiaries to adhere to the rules set by the committee. “Beneficiaries are expected to utilise the tricycles in accordance with the rules and guidelines already provided by the committee. Compliance is essential to ensure order, accountability, and the long-term success of the programme,” he added.
The governor also announced cash support for 16,783 registered Keke Napep riders from 25 associations in the Metropolitan Council and Jere. Each will receive N50,000 to cushion economic hardship.
“We have approved a financial intervention amounting to N1 billion to support transportation workers and cushion the impact of hardship on their livelihood. A total of 16,783 registered Keke Napep riders will each receive N50,000 in financial support,” Zulum stated.
He congratulated the beneficiaries and urged them to use the opportunity productively. He also commended the organising committee and the Commissioner for Transportation for coordinating the initiative.
Chairman of the Borno State Empowerment Committee, Hon. Saina Buba, said each tricycle can travel 65 kilometres on a single charge.
He noted that the beneficiaries were identified and selected by the leadership of their associations. “No one was influenced by the governor or government officials,” Buba said.
The event was attended by Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno; Senator representing Borno Central, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan; Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly; House of Representatives members Hon. Abdulkadir among other.
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Empowerment