Borno Residents Seek Clarity After Tinubu Unveils Electric Bikes Despite State Government’s Ban

Residents of Borno State are seeking clarity from authorities after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu commissioned thousands of electric vehicles in the state, despite an existing ban on the use of motorcycles imposed over security concerns.

During a state visit on Saturday, the President unveiled a fleet of electric transport vehicles made up of 3,000 motorcycles, 500 tricycles, 100 cars and 20 buses with a seating capacity of 42 passengers each.

The project was presented as part of efforts to improve transportation and ease mobility challenges, particularly in rural communities.

Speaking at the event, Tinubu praised Governor Babagana Umara Zulum and the people of Borno State, describing the initiative as a practical response to transportation difficulties.

He said, “The electric vehicles, the tricycles, the charging terminals in their thousands ease the problems of mobility and transportation economy.”

However, the development has raised questions among residents because the use of motorcycles, both electric and petrol-powered remains prohibited across the state.

On July 25, 2024, the Borno State Police Command restated the ban, warning that violators would be arrested. In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Daso, the command said the decision was reached by the Borno State Security Council due to prevailing security challenges.

“The Command has observed the flagrant use of motorcycles, especially electric bikes, in the State, and wishes to remind the general public that the ban on motorcycles in the state still subsists,” the statement read in part.

It further warned, “Any person found in possession of Electric or petrol-powered motorbikes will be arrested for violating the order,” while also cautioning fuel stations against selling petrol to motorcyclists, noting that defaulting stations would be sanctioned and sealed.

When contacted on Monday, ASP Daso confirmed that the situation has not changed, stressing that enforcement of the ban is ongoing.

He said, “As of now, the status quo remains; the enforcement of the ban on electric and petrol-powered bikes continues. At the time, it came as an executive order from the governor, and he has not changed it.”

The Senior Technical Assistant to the Governor on Print and Digital Communications, Abdulrahman Bundi, also affirmed that the restriction is still valid. “This is a police issue. If the police confirm that the ban is still ongoing, just know that that is our position. It simply means that it is still in force,” he said.

Meanwhile, the unveiling of the electric bikes has sparked mixed reactions among residents, many of whom are calling on the state government to clearly state its position.

A Maiduguri resident, Ibrahim Hassan, questioned the practicality of commissioning bikes that cannot be used under current regulations.

“How will you come and commission 3,000 Motobikes that you have banned. Who will they share it with, or do they want to keep it till they lift the ban? They should clarify it officially so that we can know if to go ahead and buy it with our money,” he said.

Another resident, Alkali Adamu, expressed similar concerns in a Facebook post, describing the situation as contradictory. He wrote, “I would like to ask a simple question. A few months ago, Governor Babagana Zulum banned the use of electric bikes in Maiduguri.

Today (Saturday), however, the President commissioned electric bikes.

“Who then is expected to use these bikes. Does this action by the president imply that the governor has lifted the ban? Unfortunately, our leaders often take actions that create confusion among the public.”

While some residents questioned the policy inconsistency, others welcomed the project but still demanded clarity.

Umar Aminu said, “We sincerely appreciate our governor for the many projects in the state, particularly the electric bikes he recently unveiled. However, we are worried about whether the government will only allow specific people to use such bikes or if the ban has been lifted. This we need to know so that we can go and buy with our money.”

As of Monday, authorities maintain that the motorcycle ban remains in place, leaving residents uncertain about how and when the newly commissioned electric bikes will be deployed.