To alleviate the exorbitant cost of living brought about by the elimination of fuel subsidies, Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, made available 80 buses and pickup trucks on Tuesday for the free transportation of farmers from their communities to farmlands.
The fleet consists of 50 luxurious buses from the Borno Express Corporation, a state-owned transport company, while the remaining 30 pickup trucks will be rented and supplied by the state government.
“With the removal of fuel subsidies, transportation costs have increased. As a result, the Borno State Government has resolved to provide 50 buses (and 30 pickup trucks) to transport farmers to their farmlands during this rainy season,” stated Zulum.
In the meantime, as Governor Zulum addressed thousands of farmers, he implored them to cooperate with the deployed soldiers, police, and other security agencies on the roads to ensure the protection of citizens, including farmers venturing to the outskirts to access their farmlands.
“I urge you, farmers, to offer the utmost support and cooperation to the Nigerian military. They are here to safeguard you,” Zulum remarked.
The governor expressed his gratitude to the military for their dedication in safeguarding the people of Borno, which has ultimately allowed farming activities to prosper throughout the state.