Gov. Zulum Launches N1bn Empowerment Programme In Borno

Borno State Governor Prof. Babagana Zulum has launched a N1 billion empowerment programme, in addition to 500 electric Keke Napep tricycles, for 1,000 operators in Maiduguri metropolis and Jere.

The eco-friendly electric tricycles were inaugurated on 20th December 2025 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of Governor Zulum’s efforts to modernise transportation and ease economic hardship in the state.

Launching the empowerment programme yesterday at the Government House, Governor Zulum said the initiative was designed to empower less-privileged Keke Napep riders while reducing transportation costs for residents across the Metropolitan Council and Jere local government area.

“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,” Zulum stated.

“These electric tricycles were procured some months ago and what we are witnessing today is their formal distribution to less-privileged Keke Napep riders. These eco-friendly tricycles represent a significant step toward modernizing transportation while promoting environmental sustainability,” he added.

Zulum noted that while a designated committee would oversee the payment structure for the tricycles, the state government would subsidize 30 percent of the cost to ensure affordability for beneficiaries.

“The government will subsidize part of the cost by 30 percent 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.