FG to deploy 10,000 electric tricycles as transport reform gains momentum

Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Federal Government has announced plans to deploy 10,000 electric tricycles as part of ongoing efforts to improve public transportation, reduce mobility costs, and accelerate the transition to cleaner energy solutions across the country.

Vice President Kashim Shettima disclosed this during a courtesy visit by the Transporters for Tinubu/Shettima 2027 group in Abuja.

According to Shettima, the electric tricycles will be distributed by the North East Development Commission (NEDC) beginning in August 2026, with the initial rollout covering the North-East region.

He added that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the expansion of the initiative to other parts of the country through the various regional development commissions.

“The President has approved the replication of the initiative in other parts of the country by the various regional development commissions,” the Vice President said.

Shettima explained that the programme forms part of the Tinubu administration’s broader transportation reform agenda aimed at modernising Nigeria’s transport system and improving connectivity across the country.

He said the government’s objective is to transform Nigeria’s fragmented transportation network into an integrated logistics system capable of supporting economic growth, trade, agriculture, industrialisation, and national integration.

According to him, the planned logistics chain will connect ports, rail lines, inland waterways, airports, local feeder roads, and CNG-powered trucks to facilitate the efficient movement of goods and people nationwide.

The Vice President noted that transportation remains a critical component of economic development and that the administration is pursuing reforms designed to lower costs, improve efficiency, and stimulate investment.

He identified the nationwide rollout of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) infrastructure, major port modernisation projects, and the strengthening of logistics networks as key pillars of the government’s transport reform strategy.

The deployment of electric tricycles is expected to complement ongoing efforts to promote cleaner and more affordable transportation alternatives, particularly in urban and semi-urban communities.

Analysts say the initiative could help reduce dependence on conventional fuel-powered commercial vehicles while creating employment opportunities and improving access to transportation services.

The planned rollout also aligns with the Federal Government’s broader commitment to sustainable transportation and energy transition policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions and improving environmental sustainability.

The NEDC is expected to coordinate the first phase of the programme, while similar initiatives are anticipated to be implemented across other geopolitical zones as the project expands nationwide.

The announcement comes amid ongoing government efforts to modernise critical infrastructure, improve mobility, and strengthen the transportation sector as a driver of economic growth and national development.