President Bola Tinubu has approved the introduction of electric vehicles (EVs) in Nigeria’s North-East region as part of an initiative to reduce transportation costs. This was revealed by Mohammed Alkali, CEO of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), during a briefing with state house correspondents.

The move aligns with the commission’s plans to set up modular solar power units in the region. After evaluating compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric vehicles, the NEDC determined that EVs would be better suited for the North-East. Abdulsalam Ahmed, the NEDC’s Executive Director of Operations, shared that the EV fleet will include three types: e-buses for intra-state travel (with a capacity of at least 40 passengers), e-taxis for three passengers including the driver, and tricycles designed to carry eight people.

Ahmed stressed the importance of local production, with plans to fabricate the vehicles’ bodies in the North-East or elsewhere in Nigeria. Alkali stated, “We’ve come to inform Mr. President of this vital initiative, which he has graciously approved, following two months of extensive analysis.” He added that the president’s push towards CNG and electric vehicles influenced the decision to adopt EVs.

The modular solar power units will support the region’s EVs, making them a more practical choice than CNG vehicles. With the president’s approval, the commission is set to proceed with implementing the e-mobility plan.