The Borno State Government has taken a significant step toward modernising its transportation system and easing the financial burden on residents with the deployment of 20 electric buses for public use. The initiative is aimed at cushioning the effects of rising petrol prices while also promoting environmentally friendly mobility across the state.
The rollout was announced in a statement on Thursday by Dauda Illiya, spokesperson to Governor Babagana Zulum, who described the project as part of a broader and carefully structured intervention designed to transform public transportation in the state.
According to Illiya, the deployment of electric vehicles in Borno is not an isolated effort but part of a wider national and state-level collaboration previously inaugurated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on December 20, 2025. That larger initiative includes the introduction of 3,000 electric bicycles, 500 electric tricycles, and 100 electric vehicles, all intended to improve access to affordable and sustainable transportation.
The electric bus rollout officially began on April 3 and comprises a mixed fleet designed to serve different commuter needs. Out of the 20 buses, 17 are large-capacity vehicles with 49 seats each, two are mid-sized 37-seater buses, and one is a 28-seater bus. This combination allows for flexibility in deployment across varying passenger volumes and routes.
The buses are currently being operated along major routes within Maiduguri metropolis and surrounding areas, where transportation challenges have been most prominent. Maiduguri, being the capital and a major urban hub, experiences heavy commuter traffic daily, making the introduction of additional and more efficient transport options particularly impactful.
Each of the buses is fully air-conditioned and powered by electricity, making them not only more comfortable but also more cost-efficient compared to conventional fuel-powered vehicles. According to the state government, the buses are capable of covering over 400 kilometres on a single charge, a feature that positions them as a reliable option for daily urban and inter-urban transportation.
To support the operation of these electric buses, the Borno State Government has also established what it describes as the largest electric vehicle charging terminal in the country. The facility has the capacity to charge up to 50 vehicles simultaneously, ensuring that the electric fleet can operate efficiently with minimal downtime. This infrastructure is a critical component of the state’s broader transition to electric mobility, as it addresses one of the major challenges associated with electric vehicle adoption—charging availability.
In a move aimed at ensuring affordability for residents, Governor Zulum directed the Borno Express Transport Service to maintain a subsidised fare of ₦50 per trip. This pricing strategy is particularly significant given the current economic climate, where many Nigerians are grappling with rising fuel costs, inflation, and general increases in the cost of living.
Illiya noted that the intervention has already begun to show positive effects. According to him, commuters have reported reduced congestion on key routes, as well as improved access to reliable and affordable transportation. For many residents, especially low-income earners and daily wage workers, the introduction of these buses provides a much-needed relief and alternative to more expensive transportation options.
Residents and commuters have also expressed appreciation for the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful. In a region where transportation challenges are often compounded by economic constraints and security concerns, the introduction of a modern, reliable transport system represents a major step forward in improving quality of life.
Beyond immediate economic relief, the project reflects a broader policy direction by the Borno State Government to embrace renewable energy and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. By investing in electric vehicles and supporting infrastructure, the government is positioning the state as a pioneer in green transportation within the country.
Environmental experts have long advocated for the adoption of electric mobility as a means of reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality. The introduction of electric buses in Borno aligns with these global sustainability goals, while also addressing local challenges related to fuel scarcity and rising transportation costs.
The initiative also signals a shift toward long-term infrastructural planning. The establishment of a large-scale charging terminal and the integration of electric buses into the public transport system indicate that the government is not only responding to current economic pressures but also laying the foundation for a more sustainable future.
Officials say the intervention is part of a wider strategy to modernise public transportation, create a more efficient transit system, and improve overall service delivery to residents. The focus is not just on providing transport, but on building a system that is affordable, reliable, and environmentally responsible.
Looking ahead, the Borno State Government is expected to expand its electric mobility program, potentially increasing the number of vehicles and extending coverage to more areas within and beyond Maiduguri. As adoption grows, the state may also continue to invest in charging infrastructure, maintenance systems, and training for operators to ensure smooth and sustainable operations.
For now, the deployment of the 20 electric buses stands as a landmark achievement in Borno’s efforts to address economic hardship, improve public transportation, and promote a cleaner, greener future for its residents.
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