The Borno electric bikes ban remains despite President Tinubu unveiling 3,000 bikes, leaving residents confused and demanding official clarification
Residents of Borno State have expressed growing confusion after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu unveiled 3,000 electric motorcycles in the state, even as authorities insist that a long standing ban on motorcycle use remains firmly in place.
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during a state visit to Maiduguri on Saturday, inaugurated a fleet of electric vehicles comprising 3,000 bikes, 500 tricycles, 100 cars and 20 42 seater buses as part of a transport intervention programme.
Speaking at the event, President Tinubu praised Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, and the people of the state, describing the initiative as a bold step towards easing mobility challenges, particularly in rural communities.
“The electric vehicles, tricycles and the thousands of charging terminals ease the problems of mobility and transportation economy,” President Tinubu said.
However, the Borno State Police Command has reiterated that the Borno electric bikes ban, which covers both electric and petrol powered motorcycles, remains fully in force.
The prohibition was imposed on July 25, 2024, following a decision by the Borno State Security Council to curb persistent security threats linked to motorcycle movements.
Police Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Police Nahum Daso, warned that enforcement has not been relaxed.
“The command has observed the flagrant use of motorcycles, especially electric bikes, in the state.
We wish to remind the public that the ban still subsists. Any person found in possession of electric or petrol powered motorcycles will be arrested,” ASP Daso said.
When contacted on Monday, ASP Daso confirmed that the directive, issued as an executive order by Governor Zulum, remains unchanged.
Governor Zulum’s Senior Technical Assistant on Print and Digital Communications, Abdulrahman Bundi, also deferred to the police position, stating that the government stance aligns with current enforcement.
The apparent contradiction between the presidential unveiling and the continued ban has triggered public concern across Maiduguri.
Ibrahim Hassan, a resident of Polo, questioned the logic of the initiative.
“How will you inaugurate 3,000 motorbikes that are banned? Who will use them, or will they be stored until the ban is lifted?” Hassan asked.
Similar sentiments were echoed online, with Alkali Adamu writing on Facebook that such actions create unnecessary public uncertainty.
Others welcomed the project but urged authorities to provide urgent clarification.
Umar Aminu said residents needed clear guidance before making financial commitments.
“We appreciate the government’s efforts, but we need to know whether the ban has been lifted or if only selected people will be allowed to use the bikes,” Aminu said.
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As questions persist, residents are calling on the Borno State Government to address the confusion and clearly outline how the newly unveiled electric bikes will be deployed under existing security restrictions.
