ABUJA, Nigeria — The Federal Government will begin the rollout of 10,000 electric tricycles into the Nigerian market in August as part of efforts to improve public transportation and expand access to cleaner mobility options, Vice President Kashim Shettima has announced.
Shettima disclosed this during a courtesy visit by members of Transporters for Tinubu/Shettima 2027, stating that the tricycles would initially be distributed by the North East Development Commission (NEDC) across the North-East region, with plans for similar initiatives in other parts of the country.
Okay News reports that the Vice President said President Bola Tinubu had approved the expansion of the programme through regional development commissions as part of the administration’s broader transportation reform agenda.
According to Shettima, the government is working to transform Nigeria’s transport sector from a fragmented system into an integrated logistics network linking ports, railways, inland waterways, airports, roads and CNG-powered vehicles. He said the goal is to lower transportation costs, improve efficiency and strengthen economic productivity.
The Vice President highlighted the administration’s investments in compressed natural gas (CNG), port modernisation and logistics infrastructure, noting that the government is focused on creating a seamless movement of goods from seaports to markets across the country. He said the Presidential CNG Initiative has already demonstrated the potential to significantly reduce fuel costs for transport operators.
Shettima also pointed to ongoing reforms in the maritime sector, including the operation of the Lekki Deep Sea Port, the National Single Window project and renewed investment in inland waterways, which he said would improve port efficiency and boost Nigeria’s competitiveness.
He assured transport workers that the administration would continue supporting policies aimed at affordable fuel, improved working conditions, insurable fleets and sustainable transport infrastructure. Representatives of transport unions at the meeting expressed support for the administration, citing ongoing reforms across the road, rail, maritime and aviation sectors.
