By Oso Abidemi 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has unveiled the Electric Tricycle Empowerment Initiative, a national programme aimed at reducing transportation costs, promoting clean energy and creating new job opportunities for young Nigerians.

Represented by the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, the President launched the initiative on Thursday in Abuja.

The project is spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development in partnership with House of Destiny Global Services and the National Commercial Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association (NATOMORAS).

Tinubu said the rollout of electric tricycles underscores his administration’s commitment to a greener, more inclusive economy.

He noted that the scheme aligns with Nigeria’s energy transition plan, adding that electric tricycles could cut transportation costs by up to 40 per cent while offering an environmentally friendly alternative to petrol-powered versions.

In his remarks, Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, described the programme as a major milestone for Nigerian youth, especially those in the informal sector.

He said the initiative reflects the Renewed Hope Agenda and would open opportunities in tricycle operation, repairs, battery maintenance, charging-station management and other areas within the electric mobility value chain.

Olawande announced that at least 100 start-up grants would be issued before the end of the year, with more targeted support programmes underway.

He also revealed ongoing collaboration with NASENI to produce made-in-Nigeria electric vehicles.

Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Maryam Keshinro, represented by Joseph Samuel, said the launch marks a significant step toward eco-friendly transportation and green job creation.

NATOMORAS representative, Alhaji Usman Buba Gwoza, commended the Federal Government, describing the move as a turning point for the transport sector.

He said electric tricycles would relieve riders of high fuel costs while helping Nigeria cut emissions and modernise mobility systems.

He appealed for the provision of more electric tricycles, noting that NATOMORAS has over 18 million registered operators nationwide and that widespread adoption could significantly reduce youth unemployment.

By Njoku Chijioke

The rollout of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered tricycles has begun in Kwara State and is expected to extend to Kogi, as Nigeria pushes for cleaner energy, lower transport costs, and environmental sustainability.

The initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s strategy to expand CNG-powered mobility nationwide.

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq recently took delivery of 20 CNG-powered buses and 20 tricycles from the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) to boost mass transit.

The government is partnering with B-One Mobility Limited, an Indian firm establishing a CNG vehicle assembly plant in Kwara, to create jobs, reduce poverty, and provide affordable transport.

CNG tricycles are more cost-efficient and emit less carbon. In Kaduna, operators reported fuel costs dropping from ₦13,000–₦15,000 daily (petrol) to ₦2,000–₦3,000 (CNG).

The Federal Government plans to convert about one million vehicles from petrol to CNG and deploy 5,000 CNG tricycles within three months, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s vision for a cleaner energy future.

By Salihu Mohammed

The Executive Chairman of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi), Barrister Ismaeel Ahmed, affirmed the critical role of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in West Africa’s journey towards sustainable energy security and regional economic integration. He made this declaration during his participation in the NMDPRA/S&P Global Commodity Insights Conference held in Abuja.

The high-level gathering, themed “West Africa Refined Fuel Market: Pathway to a Regional Reference Market,” convened prominent figures in the energy sector, including the Honourable Minister of Petroleum, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and the Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

Discussions at the conference centered on strategies for fostering regional fuel integration and enhancing energy security across West Africa, exploring opportunities and challenges in creating a harmonized regional fuel market.

Barrister Ahmed reiterated the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to cleaner energy solutions, emphasizing CNG’s potential to drive long-term energy stability and bolster regional economic ties.