Yemi Olakitan
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commissioned a fleet of 107 gas and electric-powered buses and taxis, marking the second phase of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum’s metro transport scheme.
The initiative was launched during the recent Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference in Maiduguri and aims to mitigate the impact of fuel subsidy withdrawal, offering affordable transportation options to citizens, particularly those recovering from the long-standing Boko Haram insurgency.
Each of the 107 vehicles has been converted to use electricity and gas, tapping into low-cost energy sources. The fleet includes 35 units of 30-seater gas-powered coaster buses, 12 units of 15-seater gas-powered Hummer buses, 10 units of 50-seater gas-powered mass transit buses, and 50 units of 4-seater electric-powered taxis.
Previously, in September, Governor Zulum launched a fleet of 77 buses, contributing to the total procurement of 120 buses for the state. This initiative has already had a significant impact on transportation prices in Maiduguri, with Zulum’s buses charging N50, in contrast to private transport means such as Keke Napep, which charge about N150 per route.
President Tinubu, after commissioning the vehicles, commended Governor Zulum for his commitment to good governance and innovation. Tinubu expressed gratitude for Zulum’s foresight and proactiveness, emphasizing the potential to establish assembly plants at the sub-national level to enhance economic value and prosperity.
Related Posts
“Your Excellency (Governor Zulum)… this is exactly ‘Hope Renewed’. Thank you for your good job always. Thank you once again for being innovative and creative; for your concern about your people and the good governance you provide”, Tinubu said.
The President added: “We are going to take advantage of your foresight and proactiveness to at the sub-national level be able to start assembly plants and add more value to the economy and bring economic prosperity to our people. You (Zulum) are doing a good job, thank you very much”, the president reiterated.
In closing, President Tinubu acknowledged Governor Zulum’s dedication, stating, “You (Zulum) are doing a good job, thank you very much.” The commendation reflects the recognition of Zulum’s efforts in providing innovative solutions for the benefit of the people in Borno State.
