Residents of Borno State have expressed confusion following the unveiling of 3,000 electric bikes by President Bola Tinubu, even as the state continues to enforce a ban on motorcycle use.
During a state visit on Saturday, President Tinubu inaugurated a fleet of electric vehicles, including 3,000 bikes, 500 tricycles, 100 cars and 20 buses. He described the initiative as a step toward improving transportation and easing mobility challenges, particularly in rural areas.
“The electric vehicles, tricycles, and thousands of charging terminals will ease mobility and improve the transportation economy,” the President said at the event, while commending Governor Babagana Zulum and the people of the state.
However, shortly after the unveiling, the Borno State Police Command reiterated that the ban on motorcycles remains fully in effect. The restriction, which applies to both electric and petrol-powered bikes, was introduced on July 25, 2024, following a decision by the state’s Security Council to address ongoing security concerns.
Police spokesperson, ASP Nahum Daso, warned that enforcement would continue, stressing that anyone found using motorcycles would be arrested. He also cautioned filling stations against selling petrol to motorcyclists, noting that violators would face prosecution.
“As of now, nothing has changed. The ban on electric and petrol-powered bikes is still being enforced because it is an executive directive from the governor,” Daso said.
Governor Zulum’s Senior Technical Assistant on Print and Digital Communications, Abdulrahman Bundi, confirmed the position, saying that the government would stand by the police decision as long as the ban remains in place.
The situation has left many residents puzzled, with calls for clear guidance from the state government.
A Maiduguri resident, Ibrahim Hassan, questioned the logic behind unveiling motorcycles that are currently banned. “How do you inaugurate 3,000 bikes that people are not allowed to use? Are they meant to be stored, or will the ban be lifted? We need clarification,” he said.
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Others shared similar concerns online. Alkali Adamu, writing on Facebook, wondered whether the President’s action signalled a policy change. “Does this mean the ban has been lifted? Our leaders should avoid creating confusion for the public,” he wrote.
While some residents welcomed the initiative, they urged the government to clearly state who the bikes are meant for. Umar Aminu praised the project but stressed the need for clarity. “We appreciate the development projects, but we need to know if these bikes are for everyone or just selected users before we make any decisions,” he said.
As questions continue to mount, residents are awaiting an official statement to explain how the new electric bikes fit into the state’s existing security policy.
