Zulum launches free buses, vans for farmers

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has launched a free transport system to convey farmers, the major citizens of the state, to and fro their farmlands.

The launching ceremony kicked off on Tuesday, July 4, 2023.

According to him, the effort is to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal on low-income earners through reduced costs of living.

He added that the “80 means of transport will comprise 50 luxurious buses to be allocated from the fleet of the Borno Express Corporation, a state-owned transport company, while the state’s 30 pick-up vans will be hired and provided by the state government.”

Speaking at the event, Zulum revealed that his motive behind the scheme is to support farmers during this hard time of subsidy removal, which will in turn benefit all and sundry.

“We are here (Molai) purposely to support the farmers; you can see thousands of them have gathered and their numbers can reach up to 100,000. Due to the removal of the fuel subsidy, which although has a long-term benefit, cost of transportation has increased. Therefore, Borno State Government has decided to provide 50 buses (and 30 pick-up vans) to convey farmers to their farmlands this rainy season”, Zulum added.

Congregation of farmers at the launching

The governor concludes by appreciating the military officers, who will be watching over the movement of buses from place to place and urging them (the farmers) to give maximum cooperation.

“I want to urge you (farmers) to give maximum support and cooperation to the Nigerian Military. They (soldiers) are here to protect you”, Zulum mentioned.