FG To Roll Out 10,000 Electric Tricycles Across North-East

The Federal Government has announced plans to deploy 10,000 electric tricycles across the North-East as part of efforts to expand affordable transportation, improve mobility and promote cleaner energy solutions in the country’s transport sector.

Vice President Kashim Shettima disclosed the initiative on Monday during a courtesy visit by members of the Transporters for Tinubu/Shettima 2027 group, saying the tricycles would be distributed by the North East Development Commission (NEDC) beginning in August 2026.

According to the Vice President, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has also approved the expansion of the initiative to other parts of the country through the various regional development commissions.

“The President has approved the replication of the initiative in other parts of the country by the various regional development commissions,” Shettima said.

He explained that the rollout forms part of the administration’s broader transport reform agenda aimed at creating a seamless and integrated logistics network capable of driving economic growth, enhancing connectivity and reducing the cost of transportation.

The Vice President said the government was committed to transforming Nigeria’s fragmented transport system into a coordinated network linking ports, railways, roads, airports and inland waterways.

“The priority of this administration is to move Nigeria from a fragmented transport system to an integrated logistics chain where ports, rail lines, CNG-powered trucks, inland waterways, airports and local feeder roads work together to support commerce, agriculture, industry and national integration,” he said.

Shettima noted that the government’s transport reforms are anchored on the nationwide adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), major upgrades to port infrastructure and the strengthening of logistics operations across the country.

He said the measures are designed to improve the working conditions of transport operators while boosting efficiency in road, rail, maritime, aviation and pipeline transportation.

Highlighting the administration’s long-term vision, the Vice President said the goal is to build a transport economy that facilitates trade, connects producers with markets and enhances national productivity.

“Our vision is an unbroken logistics chain, where a container moves from a deep-sea port to a rail wagon, then to a CNG-powered truck, then to a trader in Ariaria Market or Maiduguri, without delay or policy failure,” he stated.

Shettima also defended the Federal Government’s investment in CNG infrastructure, saying early results have demonstrated its potential to significantly lower transportation costs.

“We said CNG could cut fuel costs by over 60 per cent, and many called it fantasy. Today, heavy-duty trucks run on Nigerian gas, proving sceptics wrong and returning money to your pockets,” he said.

The Vice President further highlighted ongoing reforms in the maritime sector, including the operationalisation of the Lekki Deep Sea Port, the development of the National Single Window platform and efforts to revitalise inland waterways.

According to him, the initiatives are aimed at improving efficiency at Nigerian ports and positioning them to compete globally.

“Before this administration, clearing a container could become an encounter with frustration, corruption, and decay. We promised to unlock the blue economy. Today, with Lekki Deep Sea Port operational, the National Single Window taking shape, and inland waterways receiving attention, our ports are preparing to compete with the world’s best,” he said.

Shettima assured transport workers and stakeholders of continued government support, promising policies that would encourage affordable fuel access, improved fleet management and better working conditions.

“This administration shall continue to stand with the Nigerian transporter. We shall continue to fight for affordable fuel, insurable fleets, bankable contracts, and dignified working conditions. We shall build roads that last, rails that stretch across this great nation, ports that breathe, and airports that reflect our pride,” he added.

Earlier, the Technical Adviser to the Vice President on Transportation, Logistics and Innovation, Prince Segun Obayendo, said transport unions across the aviation, maritime, rail and road sectors had expressed confidence in the Tinubu administration’s reforms and pledged support for the President’s re-election bid in 2027.

Obayendo said leaders of the various unions had undertaken extensive consultations before endorsing the administration, citing achievements across multiple sectors of the economy.

“The group is convinced that the administration of President Tinubu has set the country on the path of positive growth; hence they are prepared to mobilise the support of members of the various unions in the transport sector to ensure Mr President’s re-election in 2027,” he said.

Also speaking, Secretary-General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Comrade Oniha Erazua, commended the administration for recognising the contributions of transport unions and engaging stakeholders in the sector.

He expressed optimism that ongoing reforms would deliver greater benefits if sustained and reiterated the union’s support for the Tinubu-Shettima ticket in the next presidential election.