The Nigerian Government has announced plans to commence mass electric vehicle (EV) transportation in the North-East, following the approval of contracts worth N151.9 billion by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
The contracts include the supply of electric buses and tricycles, alongside the development of charging infrastructure.
The initiative, funded by the North East Development Commission (NEDC), aims to reduce carbon emissions and promote energy efficiency in the region.
“The Tinubu administration will soon begin mass electric vehicle transportation in northeast Nigeria, with the Federal Executive Council clearing the last obstacle to implementing the plan.
“Last week, the Council approved contracts worth almost $100 million, or N151.9 billion, to supply buses and tricycles and establish charging infrastructure for electric vehicles,” a statement Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, read in part.
Under the approved contracts, Bluecrest Integrated Concept Limited will supply 10 electric 17-seater buses for N2.9 billion, with delivery expected within six months.
Additionally, 10,000 electric tricycles will be procured from multiple firms:
– Mutual Commitment Company Ltd will supply 4,000 e-tricycles for N49.6 billion, to be delivered within nine months.
– Shanghai Integrated Infrastructure Development will provide 3,000 e-tricycles for N37.2 billion.
– Sinoma Investment International Ltd will also supply 3,000 e-tricycles.
Each tricycle will accommodate nine passengers and a driver.
Furthermore, 237 BYD electric cars will be supplied by HNCEGC for N16.3 billion, while KB Laman Motors Nigeria Ltd will oversee the charging infrastructure for N8.4 billion.
President Bola Tinubu approved the EV procurement in October 2024 and later inspected vehicle samples.
The initiative aligns with similar efforts in Lagos, where electric buses are being integrated into the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network.
However, challenges such as electricity supply stability and charging infrastructure sustainability remain key concerns.
