2025 Christmas: Governor Zulum commences free transport programme to south, East, South-South

2025 Christmas: Governor Zulum commences free transport programme to South, East, South-South

By Madu Mohammed, Maiduguri

The Borno state Government has flagged off the 2025 Free Annual Transportation Programme to Southern part of the country, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to compassion, inclusivity, and people-centred governance.

The programme, which commenced on Sunday, 21 December 2025, has continued to provide critical mobility support to thousands of Nigerians since its inception in 2020, facilitating safe inter-state travel during the festive season, irrespective of ethnicity, religion, or social background.

Flagging off the transport scheme at the Kano Motor Park, Maiduguri, Governor Babagana Zulum, said the initiative was designed to ease the hardship faced by low-income earners and vulnerable groups, especially during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Represented by the Chairman of the Implementation Committee, Chief Ugochukwu Egwudike, Governor Zulum, said that beyond transportation, the programme aims to promote social cohesion and national unity by reconnecting families separated by economic and security challenges.

Zulum recalled that over the years, the scheme has reunited families who had been unable to travel home for three to five years, enabling them to celebrate Christmas with their loved ones.

He said that during the previous exercise, beneficiaries also received ₦30,000 each, paid directly into their bank accounts to cushion financial pressures and ensure transparency in disbursements, who had been unable to travel home for three to five years, enabling them to celebrate Christmas with their loved ones.

A total of 320 passengers will be transported on Day One, 280 on Day Two, and 150 on Day Three, with all passengers conveyed safely to their destinations.

The fourth day of the programme will be devoted to the distribution of palliatives and social support to 300 widows, orphans, and other vulnerable persons.

Also, the Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Borno State, Apostle Joshua Akeredolu, commended the initiative, describing 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 and greater service to humanity.

Other stakeholders described the programme as a practical demonstration of Governor Zulum’s humane and responsive leadership, noting its positive impact on social welfare, interfaith harmony, and national integration.

The Free Annual Transportation Programme remains one of the flagship social intervention initiatives of the Borno State Government, providing annual relief and mobility support to thousands of Nigerians across the country.