Residents of Borno State have been thrown into confusion following the commissioning of 3,000 electric motorcycles by President Bola Tinubu, despite an existing ban on the use of motorcycles across the state.
President Tinubu, who was on a state visit on Saturday, unveiled a fleet of electric vehicles made up of 3,000 electric bikes, 500 tricycles, 100 cars and 20 42-seater buses.
Speaking during the commissioning, the President praised Governor Babagana Zulum and the people of Borno State, describing the initiative as a major boost to mobility, convenience and transportation efficiency, particularly for rural dwellers.
“The electric vehicles, the tricycles, the charging terminals in their thousands ease the problems of mobility and transportation economy,” Tinubu said.
However, the unveiling has raised questions among residents, as the use of motorcycles, including electric and petrol-powered bikes — remains banned in the state on security grounds.
On July 25, 2024, the Borno State Police Command reaffirmed the ban, warning that anyone found riding or possessing a motorcycle would be arrested.
In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Daso, the command said the decision was reached by the Borno State Security Council due to prevailing security challenges.
“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 in part.
Daso added that filling stations were equally barred from selling fuel to motorcyclists, warning that any station found violating the directive would be sealed and prosecuted.
Speaking with PUNCH Online on Monday, Daso said the ban has not been lifted and remains under strict enforcement.
“As of now, the status quo remains; the enforcement of the ban on electric and petrol-powered bikes continues. At the time, it came as an executive order from the governor, and he has not changed it,” he said.
The Senior Technical Assistant to the governor on Print and Digital Communications, Abdulrahman Bundi, also confirmed that the ban remains in force.
“This is a police issue. If the police confirm that the ban is still ongoing, just know that that is our position. It simply means that it is still in force,” Bundi said.
The development has sparked mixed reactions among residents, many of whom are calling on the state government to clarify its position.
A resident of Polo area in Maiduguri, Ibrahim Hassan, told PUNCH that residents had expected an official announcement on the status of the ban.
“How will you come and commission 3,000 motorbikes that you have banned? Who will they share it with, or do they want to keep it until they lift the ban? They should clarify it officially so that we can know if to go ahead and buy it with our money,” he said.
Another resident, Alkali Adamu, also took to Facebook to question the logic behind the move. “I would like to ask a simple question. A few months ago, Governor Babagana Zulum banned the use of electric bikes in Maiduguri. Today, however, the President commissioned electric bikes,” he wrote.
“Who then is expected to use these bikes? Does this action by the President imply that the governor has lifted the ban? Unfortunately, our leaders often take actions that create confusion among the public.”
While some residents expressed concern, others welcomed the initiative but still called for clarity.
Umar Aminu commended the government for the project but said uncertainty remained.
“We sincerely appreciate our governor for the many projects in the state, particularly the electric bikes he recently unveiled. However, we are worried about whether the government will only allow specific people to use such bikes or if the ban has been lifted. This we need to know so that we can go and buy with our money,” he said.