To ease the financial burden on commercial motorcyclists (Okada Riders), tricyclists (Keke drivers), and taxi drivers in Borno State, the price of petrol has been reduced to N430 per litre by the governor. This significant reduction comes as a response to the challenges faced by transporters in the state, exacerbated by the removal of fuel subsidies and the introduction of 70 metro buses in Maiduguri charging passengers only N50 per ride.
These metro buses were provided by the state government, under the leadership of Governor Babangana Zulum, to alleviate the impact of the subsidy removal. However, in a heartwarming gesture, philanthropists have stepped in to offer a palliative solution by contracting filling stations in the state capital to sell petrol at the reduced rate of N430 per litre, in contrast to the official price of N637 in Borno State.
One of these philanthropists, Ibrahim Jibrin Mohammed, who operates several filling stations in the state, cited inspiration from the actions of the First Lady, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, known for supporting the poor and disaster victims nationwide. He stated, "What you are seeing here is just a flag-off of the petrol palliative to cushion the effect of subsidy removal, and we will replicate the same in six states across the country's geopolitical zones."
Mohammed further explained that similar efforts would be made in Kano for the North-West, Abuja for the North-Central, Lagos for the South-West, Port Harcourt for the South-South, and Enugu for the South-East.
The palliative intervention witnessed an overwhelming response at two petrol stations, with a surge of motorists and tricycle operators seeking to benefit from this subsidized fuel price. Abba Kaka Hassan, representing the philanthropist, highlighted that this intervention aimed to complement the government's efforts in alleviating the suffering of the masses.
Beneficiaries of the fuel palliative, like Keke NAPEP operator Yakub Bukar, expressed their gratitude, acknowledging the timely support during a period marked by the removal of fuel subsidies. "This is a very good effort from this good Samaritan, and if this will continue, it will go a long way in ameliorating the suffering of the masses," he stated, urging others to follow suit.
Ashaya Aklahyel, another beneficiary, emphasized that this intervention provided much-needed relief, as transporters often experienced losses due to a lack of passengers. He emphasized that such initiatives could help them stay afloat without needing government handouts.
Isyaka Ado, the State Secretary of Keke NAPEP Participants/Riders Development Association, praised the philanthropists for their petroleum palliative, recognizing that it significantly reduced the hardships faced by tricycle operators in the state. He appealed to other well-to-do individuals to replicate this support, benefiting both transporters and commuters.
This initiative stands as a beacon of hope for Okada Riders, Keke Drivers, and others in Borno State, as they navigate the challenges brought about by fuel subsidy removal and the changing landscape of transportation in the region.
