The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a $100 million (N151.9 billion) electric vehicle (EV) transportation project for northeast Nigeria, paving the way for the mass adoption of electric buses and tricycles in the region.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, announced via his X handle that the FEC approval clears the final hurdle for the project’s implementation. The initiative aims to boost sustainable transport, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance mobility.
Key contracts awarded under the project include:
1. 10 electric 17-seater buses are to be supplied by Bluecrest Integrated Concept Limited within six months for N2.9 billion.
2. 4,000 e-tricycles from Messrs Mutual Commitment Company Limited for N49.6 billion, with delivery expected in nine months.
3. 3,000 tricycles are to be provided by Shanghai Integrated Infrastructure Development for N37.2 billion.
This initiative is part of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to modernizing Nigeria’s transport sector, promoting cleaner energy solutions, and fostering economic development.
Sinoma Investment International Limited will supply another 3000 e-tricycles.
All the tricycles can carry nine passengers and the driver at a go.
For a contract sum of N16.3 billion, Messrs. HNCEGC will supply 100 BYD Dolphin EVs, 100 BYD Qin Plus EVs, and 37 BYD Yuan Plus EVs. At the same time, Messrs. KB Laman Motors Nigeria Limited will establish the charging points for the e-buses and tricycles for N8.4 billion.
He disclosed that the North East Development Commission will pay for the contracts as part of its plan to reduce carbon emissions and promote energy efficiency in the region.
Recall that President Tinubu approved the procurement of the e-vehicles in October last year and inspected the samples of the e-vehicles, chargers, and batteries.