FG Approves $100m Electric Vehicle Project For North-East

FG Approves $100m Electric Vehicle Project for North-East

By Hussaini Ibrahim

The Federal Government has cleared the final hurdle for the deployment of 10,000 electric vehicles in Nigeria’s North-East, marking a major step towards sustainable transportation in the region.

Last week, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved contracts worth nearly $100 million (₦151.9 billion) for procuring electric buses and tricycles and establishing charging infrastructure.

The initiative, spearheaded by the North East Development Commission (NEDC), aims to cut carbon emissions and enhance energy efficiency.

The approval was disclosed to newsmen in Abuja on Monday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, who highlighted the government’s commitment to cleaner energy solutions.

According to the statement, the contracts include the supply of 10 electric buses by Bluecrest Integrated Concept Limited for ₦2.9 billion, while Messrs Mutual Commitment Company Limited will provide 4,000 e-tricycles for ₦49.6 billion.

Shanghai Integrated Infrastructure Development and Sinoma Investment International Limited will supply an additional 6,000 tricycles for ₦37.2 billion. Each tricycle can carry nine passengers and a driver.

Furthermore, Messrs. HNCEGC has been contracted to supply 100 BYD Dolphin EVs, 100 BYD Qin Plus EVs, and 37 BYD Yuan Plus EVs for ₦16.3 billion. KB Laman Motors Nigeria Limited will install charging stations for ₦8.4 billion to support the new fleet.

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

With this approval, the project is set to take off within the next six to nine months, paving the way for cleaner and more efficient transportation in the North-East.