Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum on Sunday launched the 2025 Free Annual Transportation Programme for 1,050 non-indigenes and vulnerable residents of the state.
According to reports, the initiative is part of the governor’s social intervention efforts aimed at easing hardship and promoting inclusion during the Christmas and New Year festivities.
The programme, which began in 2020, provides free interstate transportation for residents regardless of ethnicity, religion, or social background.
Zulum was represented at the launch by the chairman of the implementation committee, Ugochukwu Egwudike.
Egwudike said the programme was designed to reduce the burden faced by low-income earners and vulnerable groups during the festive period.
He said the initiative also promotes social cohesion by reconnecting families separated by economic and security challenges.
Egwudike said the scheme has helped reunite families who had been unable to travel home for up to five years.
He added that during the previous exercise, beneficiaries received ₦30,000 each, paid directly into their bank accounts to reduce financial pressure and ensure transparency.
According to him, the 2025 exercise covers all six geopolitical zones of the country.
He said 320 passengers would be transported on the first day, 280 on the second day, and 150 on the third day.
Egwudike said a total of 750 people would travel between Monday and Tuesday, while 300 widows, orphans, and other vulnerable groups would receive palliatives on December 24.
Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Borno State Joshua Akeredolu described the initiative as timely for Christian faithful traveling to celebrate Christmas.
Akeredolu praised the governor’s inclusive leadership and prayed for his continued success.
The chief of the Idoma community in Borno State Jonah Odo described the programme as a reflection of Zulum’s concern for non-indigenes.
Odo said the initiative has strengthened social welfare, interfaith harmony, and national integration in the state.
He urged other state governors to adopt similar programmes to promote unity across the country.
The Free Annual Transportation Programme remains one of the key social support initiatives of the Zulum administration.
