The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has announced its plans to deploy more than 10,000 electric vehicles across the six states of the North-East as part of efforts to modernise public transportation and promote clean energy in the region.
- +NEDC set to roll out 10,000 electric vehicles for North-East
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Mohammed Goni Alkali, managing director of the NEDC, said the vehicles have already arrived in Nigeria ahead of the official launch.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Mohammed Goni Alkali, managing director of the NEDC, said the vehicles have already arrived in Nigeria ahead of the official launch.
According to the commission, the program will include charging stations and maintenance facilities to support the rollout and long-term operation of the vehicles.
Alkali said the first phase will include 300 electric taxis, 12-seater electric minibuses, and larger-capacity electric buses.
“This initiative will modernise public transportation, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, create green jobs, and position the North-East as a leader in sustainable mobility,” Alkali said.
He said the project is expected to create jobs for engineers, technicians, electricians, mechanics, ICT professionals, transport operators, and other skilled workers.
According to him, it will also create business opportunities in vehicle maintenance, charging services, component supply, and fleet management.
Alkali said the commission has completed more than 300 kilometres of roads and over 50 bridges across the region, improving access to markets, schools, hospitals, and other services.
He added that more than 100,000 solar streetlights have been installed under the ‘Light Up the North-East’ project to improve security and support commercial activities.
In the education sector, he said the commission has completed projects in 49 tertiary institutions, built 18 mega schools, and provided more than 100 Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities.
Alkali also announced the establishment of a ₦30 billion NEDC–Bank of Industry MSME Development Fund to provide financing, business development services, and capacity-building support for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, particularly those owned by women and young people.
He said the commission is working with the Rural Electrification Agency and other partners on a 50-megawatt electricity project aimed at expanding electricity access across the North-East by 2030.
According to him, the project is expected to provide electricity to about 4.26 million households through a mix of solar home systems, national grid connections, and renewable energy mini-grids.
Alkali said the commission is also advancing plans for the proposed North-East railway project, which is expected to improve regional connectivity, facilitate trade, support tourism, and improve the movement of people and goods.
