Tinubu to launch mass electric-powered vehicles in Northeast

In a bid to promote energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions in the Northeast region, the Tinubu administration has cleared the final hurdle for the implementation of a mass electric vehicle transportation project.

The Federal Executive Council recently approved contracts worth almost $100 million (N151.9 billion) to supply electric buses, tricycles, and establish charging infrastructure.

According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy in a post on his official X handle on Sunday: “This project is a significant step towards achieving our goal of reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable transportation in Nigeria.

“We are committed to providing efficient and environmentally friendly transportation solutions for the people of northeast Nigeria.”

The contracts approved by the Council include the supply of 10 17-seater electric buses by Bluecrest Integrated Concept Limited at a cost of N2.9 billion, to be delivered within six months.

Additionally, Messrs Mutual Commitment Company Limited will supply 4,000 e-tricycles for N49.6 billion within nine months, while Shanghai Integrated Infrastructure Development will supply 3,000 tricycles for N37.2 billion.

Other contracts include the supply of another 3,000 e-tricycles by Sinoma Investment International Limited, as well as 100 BYD Dolphin EVs, 100 BYD Qin Plus EVs, and 37 BYD Yuan Plus EVs by Messrs.

HNCEGC at a cost of N16.3 billion. Messrs. KB Laman Motors Nigeria Limited will establish charging points for the e-buses and tricycles at a cost of N8.4 billion.

The NorthEast Development Commission will fund the contracts as part of its plan to reduce carbon emissions and promote energy efficiency in the region.

President Tinubu had approved the procurement of the e-vehicles in October 2024 and inspected the samples of the e-vehicles, chargers, and batteries.