Tinubu Unveils 4,000 Electric Tricycles In Bold Push To Slash Transport Costs And Empower Youth

According to Ireporter Online, President Bola Tinubu has unveiled the Electric Tricycle Empowerment Initiative, a flagship programme of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development aimed at reducing transportation costs, cutting carbon emissions and expanding job opportunities for young Nigerians. The initiative was formally launched at Eagle Square, Abuja, where more than 4,000 electric tricycles and motorcycles were handed over to beneficiaries.

President Tinubu, represented at the event by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Dingyadi, said the programme reflects his administration’s resolve to promote clean energy solutions while empowering the youth to be self-reliant contributors to national development. He explained that the electric tricycles are expected to lower transportation costs by at least 40 percent and serve as an eco-friendly alternative to fuel-powered vehicles.

He commended the Ministry of Youth Development, House of Destiny Global Services Ltd and the leadership of the National Commercial Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association (NATOMORAS) for their collaboration in making the scheme possible. Tinubu reiterated that the federal government will continue to champion initiatives that create jobs, strengthen public-private partnerships and align Nigeria with global energy transition goals.

Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, described the initiative as a strategic public-private partnership designed not only to reduce transport expenses but also to provide economic opportunities for young people in both the formal and informal sectors. He emphasised the President’s commitment to youth inclusion in national programmes, noting that the tricycle empowerment scheme complements interventions such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

Olawande explained that the introduction of electric tricycles addresses three significant challenges: creating employment for riders, mechanics and charging station operators; eliminating the financial strain of fuel dependence; and reducing the carbon emissions that contribute to urban pollution. He maintained that the ministry is committed to bringing empowerment directly to communities while advancing Nigeria’s green energy agenda.

NATOMORAS National President, Usman Gwoza, lauded the federal government for what he described as a transformative step toward cleaner energy and improved earnings for operators. He said the electric tricycles represent more than technological progress; they symbolize renewed hope for thousands of young Nigerians seeking sustainable livelihoods. Gwoza appealed for additional units to further curb unemployment and support the administration’s broader energy transition and green economy objectives.