Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Sunday launched the 2025 Free Annual Transportation Programme for 1,050 non-indigenes and support to vulnerable people across the state.
The initiative, according to the state government, reaffirms the administration’s commitment to compassion, inclusivity and people-centred governance for residents and other inhabitants of Borno State.
The Free Annual Transportation Programme, which began in 2020, has continued to provide mobility support to thousands of Nigerians, helping them travel safely across states during the festive season, regardless of ethnicity, religion or social background.
Governor Zulum was represented at the launch by the Chairman of the Implementation Committee, Chief Ugochukwu Egwudike, who explained that the programme was designed to reduce hardship faced by low-income earners and vulnerable groups, especially during Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Egwudike said the initiative goes beyond transportation, noting that it also aims to promote social cohesion and national unity by reconnecting families separated by economic and security challenges.
He recalled that “over the years, the scheme has reunited families who had been unable to travel home for three to five years, enabling them to celebrate Christmas with their loved ones”.
Egwudike further disclosed that “during the previous exercise, beneficiaries also received ₦30,000 each, paid directly into their bank accounts to cushion financial pressures and ensure transparency in disbursement”.
Giving details of the 2025 exercise, the committee chairman said the programme covers all six geopolitical zones of the country.
He stated that a total of 320 passengers would be transported safely on day one, 280 passengers on day two, and 150 passengers on day three, while arrangements were made to ensure all travellers reach their destinations without difficulty.
“A total of 750 people are expected to travel in batches between today, Monday and Tuesday, while 300 widows, orphans and other vulnerable groups will receive palliatives on the 4th day of the exercise being 24th December,” Egwudike said.
The Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Borno State Chapter, Apostle Joshua Akeredolu, described the initiative as timely and impactful, particularly for Christian faithful travelling to celebrate Christmas.
Akeredolu praised Governor Zulum’s inclusive leadership and offered prayers for his continued success and greater service to humanity.
The Chief of Idoma Community in Borno State, Jonah Odo, also described the programme as a practical demonstration of the governor’s humane and responsive leadership.
Odo said the initiative has had a positive impact on social welfare, interfaith harmony and national integration in the state.
He added that the Idoma community in Borno State appreciates the governor for the support extended to non-indigenes and urged other state governors to emulate the gesture for national unity.
The Free Annual Transportation Programme remains one of the flagship social intervention initiatives of Governor Zulum’s administration, providing annual relief and mobility support to Nigerians nationwide.
