Zulum unveils 20 electric-powered buses for Borno commuters

Zulum unveils 20 electric-powered buses for Borno commuters

By Tada Juth, Maiduguri

Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has inaugurated 20 electric-powered luxury buses for the residents’ daily commuting in Maiduguri metropolis and Jere Local Government Areas of the state.

According to him, the deployment of the air-conditioned buses is part of the administration’s measures to cushion the impact of the recent petrol price hikes on transporters and commuters in Borno State.

The buses, which were inaugurated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on 20th December, 2025, alongside 3,000 electric bicycles, 500 electric tricycles, and 100 electric-powered vehicles, are aimed at what he described as improving transportation services to the public within and outside the state. the state.

The rolling out of the buses, which commenced on Friday, 3rd April, features a fleet of 17 buses with a 49 seating capacity, two 37-seaters, and a 28-seater.

Regarding the routes for the buses, Zulum said: “The buses are currently being deployed across major routes within Maiduguri metropolis and its environs to ease the burden of rising transport costs triggered by the five-week Middle East crisis.”

He further explained, “The fully air-conditioned and energy-efficient vehicles can cover more than 400 kilometres on a single charge.

“This initiative also complements the existing fleets of buses and salon cars earlier procured by this administration to enhance urban commutes for residents.”

Zulum continued, “The massive deployment of the buses will ensure seamless operations, with the establishment of the largest electric vehicle charging terminal in the country,” adding that the vehicles’ charging main terminal has the capacity to charge up to 50 vehicles at a time.

He noted that to protect residents from the ripple effects of the global energy crisis, Borno Express Transport Service (BETS) has been directed to maintain the subsidised rate of N50 a drop.

The intervention has already begun to yield positive results, with noticeable reductions in congestion and improved access to affordable transportation for students, civil servants, traders, and other residents.

Commuters have since commended the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful for tens of thousands of commuters, including schoolchildren, traders, and workers in Maiduguri.

Some of the commuters said: “This transportation initiative of the governor is indeed commendable.” We are not feeling the impact of the rising transportation expenses, as fares remain at N50 per drop. We thank Governor Zulum for the gesture.

“The initiative forms part of Governor Zulum’s effort to promote green energy, modernise the transportation system and provide relief to the vulnerable.“