By Usman Yahaya
Residents of Maiduguri are experiencing relief from rising transportation costs following the deployment of electric buses by the Borno State Government, with fares dropping significantly across key routes.
The initiative, introduced under the directive of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, has seen 20 electric buses rolled out for public use.
The program targets the growing burden of petrol price increases on commuters.
The buses, which began operations on April 3, are already making an impact particularly among students, workers, and traders who rely on daily transport.
With a government-approved fare fixed at ₦50 per drop, many residents say the intervention has reduced their transportation expenses by a wide margin. Some commuters report spending less than half of what they previously paid to move within the city.
Speaking to NewsDirect, Malam Usman, a resident, described the development as timely, noting that the buses have eased the pressure of high transport fares on households.
Similarly, Fatima, a student at Kashim Ibrahim University on the outskirts of Maiduguri, said the initiative has significantly reduced her daily expenses.
She noted that she previously spent about ₦1,800 on daily transportation to school, but now pays less than ₦600 whenever she secures a seat on an electric bus.
The fleet comprises high-capacity, air-conditioned vehicles designed for efficiency, with the ability to travel long distances on a single charge.
They are currently operating across major routes within the metropolis and surrounding areas. To support the operation, the state government has established a large-scale charging facility capable of powering multiple vehicles simultaneously, ensuring consistent service delivery.
The electric transport program forms part of broader efforts by the Zulum administration to provide affordable mobility, reduce urban congestion, and introduce environmentally friendly alternatives to the state’s transport system.