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Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has launched a N1 billion empowerment programme alongside the distribution of 500 electric tricycles to Keke Napep operators across Maiduguri metropolis and Jere Local Government Area.
The initiative, unveiled on Thursday at the Government House in Maiduguri, is targeted at improving livelihoods for transport operators while reducing the cost of transportation for residents.
Electric tricycles to support modern transport system
The eco-friendly tricycles were earlier inaugurated on 20 December 2025 by Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of broader efforts to modernise the state’s transport sector and address economic challenges.
Speaking during the launch, Governor Zulum said the programme was designed to empower about 1,000 tricycle operators, particularly those considered less privileged within the sector.
“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 stated.
He explained that the introduction of electric tricycles represents a shift towards sustainable transportation, while also easing operational costs for riders.
“These eco-friendly tricycles represent a significant step toward modernising transportation while promoting environmental sustainability,” Zulum added.
Government to subsidise 30% cost
To ensure affordability, the governor disclosed that the state government would subsidise 30% of the cost of each tricycle, with a designated committee responsible for overseeing the payment structure.
According to him, the intervention serves a dual purpose of empowering operators economically and reducing the financial burden on commuters.
“The government will subsidise part of the cost by 30% 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.
Zulum also stressed the importance of compliance, urging beneficiaries to adhere strictly to operational guidelines set by the committee managing the scheme.
N1bn cash support for over 16,000 riders
Beyond the tricycle distribution, the governor announced a broader financial intervention targeting 16,783 registered Keke Napep riders drawn from 25 associations within the state.
Each beneficiary is expected to receive ₦50,000 as part of the N1 billion support package aimed at cushioning the effects of economic hardship.
“We have approved a financial intervention amounting to ₦1 billion to support transportation workers and cushion the impact of hardship on their livelihood,” Zulum said.
The governor congratulated the beneficiaries and encouraged them to make productive use of the opportunity to improve their economic standing.
Selection process and technical capacity
Chairman of the Borno State Empowerment Committee, Hon. Saina Buba, noted that each electric tricycle has the capacity to cover up to 65 kilometres on a single charge.
He also clarified that beneficiaries were selected transparently through their respective associations, without interference from the state government.
Dignitaries in attendance
The event was attended by top government officials and political leaders, including Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno; Senator representing Borno Central, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan; and members of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abdulkadir Rahis and Hon. Bukar Talba.
Other attendees included members of the Borno State House of Assembly, APC State Chairman, Secretary to the State Government, acting Head of Service, acting Chief of Staff, and other senior officials.
