Zulum flags off annual free transport scheme for farmers

By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –

In a continued effort to boost agricultural productivity and ease the challenges faced by rural farmers, the Borno State Government has launched the 2025 edition of its Annual Free Farm Transportation Scheme.

The initiative, which aims to support farming communities by providing free daily transport to farmlands, was formally flagged off on Sunday, 3rd August 2025, in Maiduguri by the Commissioner for Youth, Sports Development, and Poverty Alleviation, Comrade Saina Buba.

He performed the launch on behalf of His Excellency, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, Governor of Borno State.

Comrade Buba explained that the scheme is part of Governor Zulum’s broader strategy to enhance food security, promote self-reliance, and address logistical challenges that hinder farming activities, especially in areas recovering from insurgency.

He stated that the transport scheme covers major agricultural corridors across the state and involves the deployment of long buses from the Borno Express Corporation, pick-up vans provided by transport unions, and Keke Napep (tricycles) to ensure that farmers can commute easily to their farmlands throughout the season.

He further disclosed that the entire operation is being executed under a coordinated security arrangement involving the Nigerian military and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), to guarantee the safety of farmers during their daily movements.

According to him, the scheme has been in place for over four years under Governor Zulum’s administration and continues to yield positive results. He expressed optimism that this year’s implementation will further reduce farmers’ costs, increase cultivation, and contribute significantly to food production in the state.

Comrade Buba called on farmers to cooperate with security agencies and adhere to safety guidelines, stressing that such collaboration is essential for ensuring a peaceful and productive farming season. He also announced that the Borno State Ministry of Agriculture has commenced the sale of fertilizers and farming implements at a 50 percent subsidy to complement the transportation support. This move, he said, is aimed at easing the financial burden on farmers and enhancing their capacity to participate actively in the 2025 farming season.

Several farmers who benefited from the scheme expressed their appreciation to the state government. One of them, Mallam Musa Kyari from the Muna axis, said the free transport service would greatly improve their productivity, noting that they used to spend over ₦600 daily on transport to access their farms. He added that with the removal of that financial burden, they can now farm consistently and with better results.

The Borno State Government, under the leadership of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, continues to demonstrate its commitment to implementing inclusive and impactful policies that empower communities, particularly in the agricultural sector. This year’s transportation scheme stands as another clear example of the administration’s resolve to restore livelihoods and build resilience across the state.