Residents of Borno State have expressed confusion following the unveiling of 3,000 electric motorcycles by President Bola Tinubu, despite the subsisting ban on the use of motorcycles across the state.

President Tinubu, during a state visit to Borno on Saturday, commissioned a fleet of electric vehicles comprising 3,000 motorcycles, 500 tricycles, 100 cars and 20 buses with a capacity of 42 passengers each.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, the President commended the Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, and the people of the state, describing the initiative as a major step towards improving transportation and mobility, particularly in rural communities.
According to him, the introduction of electric vehicles would enhance convenience and address transportation challenges faced by residents.

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

However, the development has generated controversy, as the Borno State Police Command had earlier reiterated a ban on the use of motorcycles in the state.

Recall that on July 25, 2024, the police restated that the ban covers all motorcycles, including electric and petrol-powered bikes, warning that violators would be arrested.

The directive, contained in a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, ASP Nahum Daso, said the decision was taken by the Borno State Security Council due to prevailing security challenges in the state.

“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.
It added that the decision was based on security concerns and urged residents to comply with the order.

Daso further warned that any person found in possession of electric or petrol-powered motorcycles would be arrested, while filling stations were directed to desist from selling petrol to motorcyclists.

“Any filling station found selling petrol to motorcyclists will be sanctioned and sealed for prosecution,” the statement added.
When contacted on Monday, Daso confirmed that the ban remains in force.

“As of now, the status quo remains. The enforcement of the ban on electric and petrol-powered bikes continues. It was an executive order from the governor, and it has not been changed,” he said.

Similarly, the Senior Technical Assistant to the Governor on Print and Digital Communications, Abdulrahman Bundi, confirmed in a telephone interview that the ban had not been lifted.

“This is a police issue. If the police confirm that the ban is still ongoing, then that is our position. It simply means the ban is still in force,” Bundi said.

Reacting to the unveiling, residents of Maiduguri and its environs called on the state government to provide clarity on the policy.

A resident of Polo area in Maiduguri, Ibrahim Hassan, said the development was confusing and urged the government to officially state whether the ban had been lifted.

“How will you commission 3,000 motorcycles that you have banned? Who will use them, or will they be kept until the ban is lifted? The government should clarify this officially so we can know whether to buy them with our money,” he said.
                                                     Another resident, Alkali Adamu, also questioned the programme in a social media post, describing it as contradictory.

“A few months ago, Governor Babagana Zulum banned electric bikes in Maiduguri. Today, the President commissioned electric bikes. Who is expected to use these bikes? Does this mean the ban has been lifted?” he asked.

Umar Aminu, another resident, while commending the government for the initiative, also called for clarification.

“We appreciate the governor for the many projects in the state, especially the electric bikes. However, we need to know whether the ban has been lifted or if only specific people are allowed to use them,” he said.

Residents have therefore appealed to the state government and security agencies to clearly state the position of the government on the ban to avoid further confusion.