Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has launched the 2025 Free Annual Transportation Programme, benefiting 1,050 non-indigenes and vulnerable persons residing in the state.
The initiative, unveiled on Sunday, underscores the Zulum administration’s commitment to compassion, inclusivity and people-centred governance. Since its inception in 2020, the programme has provided critical mobility support to thousands of Nigerians, enabling safe interstate travel during the Christmas and New Year festivities, regardless of ethnicity, religion or social background.
Representing the governor at the launch, Chairman of the Implementation Committee, Chief Ugochukwu Egwudike, said the programme was designed to ease the burden on low-income earners and vulnerable groups during the festive season. He noted that beyond transportation, the scheme promotes social cohesion and national unity by reconnecting families separated by economic and security challenges.
Egwudike recalled that over the years, the initiative has reunited families who had been unable to travel home for three to five years, allowing them to celebrate Christmas with loved ones. He added that during previous exercises, beneficiaries received ₦30,000 each, paid directly into their bank accounts to cushion financial pressures and ensure transparency.
According to him, the 2025 exercise covers all six geopolitical zones, with 320 passengers scheduled to travel on day one, 280 on day two and 150 on day three. In total, 750 passengers will be transported in batches between Monday and Tuesday, while 300 widows, orphans and other vulnerable persons will receive palliatives on the fourth day of the exercise, December 24.
Commending the initiative, Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Borno State Chapter, Apostle Joshua Akeredolu, described it as timely and impactful, particularly for Christian faithful travelling to celebrate Christmas. He praised Governor Zulum’s inclusive leadership and offered prayers for his continued success.
Also speaking, the Chief of the Idoma Community in Borno State, Jonah Odo, described the programme as a practical demonstration of humane and responsive leadership, noting its positive impact on social welfare, interfaith harmony and national integration. He urged other state governors to emulate the gesture in the interest of national unity.
The Free Annual Transportation Programme remains one of the flagship social intervention initiatives of the Zulum administration, providing annual relief and mobility support to thousands of Nigerians across the country.
