Palliatives: Zulum Rolls Out Buses to Ease Transportation for Farmers

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, yesterday released 80 buses and pick-up vans to commune farmers free of charge from their communities to farmlands in the state.

The intervention is aimed at beating down the high cost of living caused by withdrawal of fuel subsidy.

According to a statement by the spokesman to the governor, Mallam Isa Gusau, the 80 means of transport will comprise 50 luxurious buses to be allocated from the fleet of the Borno Express Corporation, a state owned transport company, while the state 30 pick-up vans will be hired and provided by the state government.

Zulum was quoted to have said in the statement that: “We are here purposely to support the farmers, you can see thousands of them have gathered and their numbers can reach up to 100,000. Due to the removal of fuel subsidy which although has a long-term benefit, cost of transportation has increased. Therefore, Borno State Government has decided to provide 50 buses (and 30 pick-up vans) to convey farmers to their farmlands this rainy season.”

The governor, while addressing thousands of farmers, urged them to cooperate with soldiers, policemen and officials of the other security agencies deployed to roads to protect citizens including farmers who go to outskirts to access their farmlands.

He said: “I want to urge you (farmers) to give maximum support and cooperation to the Nigerian Military. They (soldiers) are here to protect you.”

The governor expressed gratitude to the military for their sacrifices in protecting Borno’s  people which is now enabling farming activities across the state.