The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has announced plans to launch a fleet of solar-powered vehicles aimed at transforming inter-state transportation in the North East region.
This initiative, which has received the approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will include a total of 10,000 electric vehicles comprising 9-seater tricycles, 4-seater taxis, and 40-seater buses.
During a press conference in Maiduguri on Wednesday, NEDC Managing Director Mohammed Alkali emphasized the commission’s commitment to innovative transportation solutions, capitalizing on the region’s abundant sunlight.
“We are deploying 10,000 tricycles, which will cover the entire North East. The solar-powered buses can travel 300 kilometers on a full charge,” Alkali stated.
The rollout of these vehicles will occur in two phases, with 5,000 tricycles distributed in each phase to members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the National Association of Transport Owners (NATO) across Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe states.
Alkali also mentioned that all drivers of the electric vehicles and transport owners will receive training on maintenance and operational management to ensure efficient use of the new technology.
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Additionally, the NEDC plans to establish recharging points in the six states and install 5-10 megawatts of solar power along major roads to facilitate seamless operations.
Borno NURTW Secretary Ahmadu Musa praised the initiative as a significant step toward mitigating climate change in the North East region.
The NEDC’s effort is expected to promote eco-friendly transportation and reduce carbon emissions throughout the area.
In a related development, the Al-Ansar Foundation has sought support from the NEDC.
In response, Alkali assured the foundation of the commission’s commitment to assist in its initiatives, reiterating a dedication to collaborating with organizations that share the NEDC’s vision for the development of the North East region.
