As part of efforts to cushion the removal of fuel subsidy in the country, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State, North-East Nigeria has released 80 buses and pick-up vans to farmers across the State.
Gatekeepers News reports that this will serve as free transportation for farmers from their communities to farmlands.
The 80 means of transport comprised 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.
Governor Zulum said, “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 subsidies which although has a long-term benefit, the 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.”
Meanwhile, Zulum while addressing thousands of farmers, urged them to cooperate with soldiers, Police and other security agencies deployed to roads to protect citizens including farmers who go to the outskirts to access their farmlands.
The Governor said, “I want to urge you (farmers) to give maximum support and cooperation to the Nigerian Military. They (soldiers) are here to protect you.”
He further expressed gratitude to the military for their sacrifices in protecting Borno’s people which is now enabling farming activities across the State.
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