President Bola Ahmed Tinubu today commissioned a fleet of 107 gas and electric-powered buses and taxis in the second phase of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum’s metro transport scheme.

The scheme aims to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy withdrawal and provide affordable transportation to residents.

“Mr President, after you announced the subsidy removal and your consequent directive to governors to provide immediate palliative, in Borno State we decided to invest massively in a mass transit scheme,” Governor Zulum said in his remarks.

The new fleet comprises 35 units of 30-seater gas-powered coaster buses, 12 units of 15-seater gas-powered Hummer buses, 10 units of 50-seater gas-powered mass transit buses, and 50 units of 4-seater electric-powered taxi vehicles.

President Tinubu commended Governor Zulum for his initiative and leadership. “Your Excellency (Governor Zulum)… this is exactly ‘Hope Renewed’. Thank you for your good job always. Thank you once again for being innovative and creative; for your concern about your people and the good governance you provide,” Tinubu said.

The president added that he would work with Governor Zulum to explore the possibility of establishing assembly plants for the vehicles in Borno State.

“We are going to take advantage of your foresight and proactiveness to at the sub-national level be able to start an assembly plants and add more value to the economy and bring economic prosperity to our people. You (Zulum) are doing a good job, thank you very much,” he said.

This initiative is a major step towards providing affordable and sustainable transportation for residents of Borno State. It is also a testament to the commitment of Governor Zulum and President Tinubu to improving the lives of Nigerians.