Residents of Borno State are left puzzled after President Bola Tinubu commissioned 3,000 electric bikes during a state visit on Saturday, despite an ongoing ban on motorcycles across the state. The President also unveiled 500 tricycles, 100 cars, and 20 42-seater buses, praising Governor Babagana Zulum and the people of Borno, noting that the initiative would improve mobility, especially in rural communities.
“The electric vehicles, the tricycles, the charging terminals in their thousands ease the problems of mobility and transportation economy,” Tinubu said during the unveiling.
However, the move has raised questions because the Borno State Police Command reiterated the ban on motorcycles—including electric bikes—on July 25, 2024, citing security challenges. ASP Nahum Daso, the police spokesperson, warned that anyone found using or possessing motorcycles would be arrested, and filling stations selling petrol to motorcyclists would face sanctions.
When contacted on Monday, ASP Daso confirmed that the ban is still in effect and enforcement continues. Abdulrahman Bundi, Senior Technical Assistant to the governor, echoed the statement, clarifying that the ban remains a police matter.
Residents have expressed confusion and called for clarification. Ibrahim Hassan, a resident of Polo in Maiduguri, questioned, “How will you come and commission 3,000 motorbikes that you have banned? They should clarify officially so we know if we can buy it with our money.”
Similarly, Alkali Adamu asked on Facebook why electric bikes were being commissioned despite the ban, while Umar Aminu appreciated the initiative but urged clear communication on who is allowed to use the bikes.
The development highlights a growing disconnect between federal initiatives and state regulations, leaving Borno residents uncertain about the practical use of the newly commissioned electric vehicles.
