The Borno state government has released eighty buses and pick up vans for free, to transport farmers from their communities to farmlands.
This is to reduce high cost of living caused by withdrawal of fuel subsidy.
The state Governor, Babagana Zulum announced this while addressing thousands of farmers at Molai village, outskirts of Maiduguri.
According to the Governor, the eighty vehicles will comprise fifty luxurious buses to be allocated from the fleet of the Borno Express Transport Corporation, while thirty pick-up vans will be hired and provided by the state government.
“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”, Zulum said.
Zulum equally urged them to cooperate with the military and other security agencies deployed to the area to protect citizens including farmers who go to outskirts to access their farmlands.
“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 stressed.
He expressed gratitude to the military for their sacrifices in protecting the people which has provided the opportunity for farming activities to commence across the state.
Dauda Iliya
