By
Mala A dulazeez
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has launched a N1 billion empowerment programme alongside the distribution of 500 electric tricycles to Keke Napep operators in Maiduguri metropolis and Jere Local Government Area.
The governor performed the ceremony Thursday at the Government House, Maiduguri, as part of efforts to boost livelihoods and modernize transportation in the state.
Governor Zulum said the initiative targets about 1,000 tricycle operators, particularly the less-privileged, to enhance their economic capacity while reducing transportation costs for residents.
He explained that the eco-friendly tricycles were earlier inaugurated on December 20, 2025 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that their distribution marks a significant step toward sustainable and affordable transport.
Professor Zulum added that the government would subsidize 30 percent of the cost of the tricycles to make them affordable, while a designated committee would oversee the payment structure.
The governor urged beneficiaries to adhere strictly to the guidelines governing the scheme to ensure its sustainability and success.
He further disclosed that 16,783 registered Keke Napep riders across 25 associations in Maiduguri and Jere would each receive fifty thousand naira as financial support to cushion economic hardship.
Chairman of the Borno State Empowerment Committee, Honourable Saina Buba, said each tricycle can cover about 65 kilometres on a single charge, adding that beneficiaries were selected transparently through their associations without external influence.
The event was attended by the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno; Senator representing Borno Central, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan; Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly; members of the National and State Assemblies, and other top government officials.
