By Usman Yahaya
Residents of Maiduguri are experiencing significant relief from rising transportation costs following the deployment of electric buses by the Borno State Government, with fares dropping sharply across key routes.
The initiative, introduced under the directive of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, has seen 20 electric buses rolled out for public use to combat the burden of high petrol prices on commuters. The buses, which began operations on April 3, 2026, are already making a major impact on students, workers, and traders who rely on daily transit.
With a government-approved fare fixed at N50 per drop, many residents report that the intervention has slashed their transportation expenses by more than half. Speaking to journalists, Malam Usman, a local resident, described the development as timely, noting that the buses have eased the financial pressure on households.
Similarly, Fatima, a student at Kashim Ibrahim University, said the initiative has drastically reduced her daily costs. She noted that she previously spent about N1,800 on transportation to school, but now pays less than N600 when using the electric bus service.
The fleet consists of high-capacity, air-conditioned vehicles designed for efficiency, capable of traveling long distances on a single charge. To support the rollout, the state government has established a large-scale charging facility to ensure consistent service delivery across the metropolis and surrounding areas.
