Tinubu Unveils Electric Vehicle Plan for North-East Nigeria

Tinubu Greenlights E-Vehicles for North-East Nigeria

“Mr. President graciously gave approval, and today, we came to present to him the kind of e-vehicles we are going to introduce in the north-east...”

Nigeria's North East Development Commission adopts electric vehicles, boosting local production and job creation.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the deployment of electronic vehicles in the north-eastern part of Nigeria to reduce the high cost of transport. This move aims to ease mobility and reduce transportation costs across the states in the region.

Key Benefits of E-Vehicles in North-East Nigeria:

Reduced Transportation Costs: E-vehicles will lower the financial burden of transportation on residents and businesses.

Environmental Benefits: Electric vehicles produce zero emissions, contributing to a cleaner environment.

Economic Growth: This initiative may attract investments and create job opportunities in the region.

This exciting development was announced on October 2 by Mohammed Alkali, Managing Director and CEO of the North East Development Commission (NEDC).

The initiative is part of a broader plan to establish modular solar power units across the region's states, providing a sustainable energy source for the e-vehicles. This move aligns with the NEDC's mission to develop and bring peace to the North-East region.

Major Highlights of the Initiative:

Electric Vehicles Adoption: Reducing transportation costs and promoting eco-friendly transportation

Modular Solar Power Units: Providing sustainable energy for e-vehicles across the region

Regional Development: Aligning with NEDC's mission to develop and bring peace to the North-East region

Mohammed Alkali, a seasoned leader and Ambassador of Peace, has been at the helm of NEDC since 2019 and was re-appointed for another term in August 2023. Under his guidance, the NEDC is driving growth and progress in the region.

Mohammed Alkali revealed that, following a thorough evaluation of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and electric vehicles (EVs), the North East Development Commission (NEDC) opted for EVs as the best fit for the region's transportation requirements.

According to Abdulsalam Ahmed, NEDC's Executive Director of Operations, the forthcoming electric vehicle fleet will comprise three main categories:

• Electric buses: Designed for intra-state routes, with a minimum capacity of 40 passengers per trip.
• Electric taxis: Accommodating three passengers, including the driver.
• Modified electric tricycles: Capable of carrying eight people.

These eco-friendly vehicles will reduce transportation costs, minimize environmental impact, and enhance mobility across the North-East region.

Key Benefits of NEDC's Electric Vehicle Initiative:

• Reduced transportation costs
• Environmental sustainability
• Enhanced mobility
• Economic growth

Ahmed stressed the commission's commitment to boosting local production by manufacturing electric vehicle bodies within Nigeria, specifically in the North-East or other regions. This strategic move aims to promote local content, stimulate job creation, and revitalize the economy. By doing so, the commission seeks to reduce reliance on foreign imports and foster a sustainable industrial ecosystem.

Benefits of Local Production:

Job Creation: Generating employment opportunities in the manufacturing sector

Economic Growth: Stimulating local economies through increased production and investment

Reduced Import Dependence: Minimizing reliance on foreign imports and promoting self-sufficiency

This initiative aligns with Nigeria's Energy Transition Plan, which focuses on diversifying energy sources, improving energy infrastructure, and addressing energy poverty. By promoting local production and clean energy solutions, Nigeria can achieve universal energy access by 2030 and a carbon-neutral energy system by 2060.

“We are here today to brief Mr president on one very critical activity he has approved which we had to engage in the last two months,” he said.

“As you can recall, there is a directive from the president that cars as soon as possible should use CNG or electric vehicles. We, at the North-East Development Commission, did a thorough analysis of our region, and looked at the comparable advantag between CNG and e-vehicles.

“After our thorough analysis, we came to the conclusion that for the north-east region, yes, the CNG could work, but e- vehicle can work better for many reasons.

“One is that our plan at the end of day is to create modular solar power units across the state which can be used to power this percentage of e-vehicles.

“On that note, earlier on, we sought and got approval of the presidency for us to go ahead and come up with the framework of how we are going to deploy this e-mobility in the northeast and what kind of e-mobility, etc.

“Mr. President graciously gave approval, and today, we came to present to him the kind of e-vehicles we are going to introduce in the north-east.”