Governor Zulum Provides Free Transportation For Farmers To Cushion The Effects Of Petrol Hike In Borno

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has taken a significant step in supporting local farmers by providing them with free transportation to their farmlands. On Tuesday, while addressing farmers at a farming community near the capital city of Maiduguri, Zulum announced the release of 80 vehicles dedicated to this initiative.

The fleet, consisting of 50 long buses and 30 pick-up vans, was made available by the state government to alleviate the impact of increased transportation costs following the removal of petrol subsidies. Governor Zulum acknowledged the long-term benefits of the subsidy removal but recognized the immediate challenges faced by farmers due to rising transportation expenses.

“We are here purposely to support the farmers,” Zulum expressed, as he witnessed the gathering of thousands of farmers, with estimates reaching up to 100,000. He emphasized the government’s commitment to assist by allocating 50 buses from the state-owned Borno Express Corporation, alongside hiring 30 additional pick-up vans to facilitate farmers’ transportation during the rainy season.

In his address, Governor Zulum also stressed the importance of collaboration between farmers and security agencies deployed to protect them. He urged the farming community to provide maximum support and cooperation to the Nigerian Military, police, and other security forces present in the region.

With the planting season now underway in Borno, an area predominantly reliant on agriculture, Governor Zulum’s initiative comes as a welcome relief to farmers facing transportation challenges. By providing free transportation to their farmlands, the government aims to enhance agricultural productivity and ensure the success of the farming community in the region.