President Bola Tinubu has approved the introduction of electric vehicles (EVs) in the North-East geopolitical zone as part of efforts to reduce transportation costs and enhance mobility in the region.
CEO of the North East Development Commission (NEDC) Mohammed Alkali, announced this development during a briefing with state house correspondents on Wednesday.
The decision follows plans to establish modular solar power units across various states in the region, which will serve as a sustainable energy source for the electric vehicle fleet.
Alkali emphasized that the NEDC conducted a comprehensive analysis comparing compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric vehicles, ultimately concluding that EVs are better suited for the region’s needs.
Abdulsalam Ahmed, Executive Director of Operations for NEDC, outlined that the electric vehicle fleet will include three categories: e-buses designed for intra-state transport with a minimum capacity of 40 passengers, e-taxis that can accommodate three people including the driver, and modified tricycles that will carry up to eight people.
The commission is prioritizing local content in the project, ensuring that the vehicle bodies are fabricated locally in the North-East or other parts of Nigeria. “We are here today to brief Mr. President on a critical initiative he has approved, which we have been engaged in over the last two months,” Alkali stated.
He recalled the president’s directive for a swift transition to CNG and electric vehicles, highlighting the NEDC’s thorough analysis that indicated the advantages of electric vehicles for the region. “Our ultimate goal is to create modular solar power units across the states to power these electric vehicles effectively,” he added.
The NEDC has received presidential approval to develop a framework for deploying e-mobility in the North-East, and Alkali expressed optimism about the positive impact of this initiative on transportation in the region.
