FGN
By Iyunade Grace
The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially launched the Youth Electric Tricycle Empowerment Initiative, a program aimed at providing young people with affordable, eco‑friendly transport options while tackling unemployment. President Bola Tinubu unveiled the scheme during a ceremony in Abuja, emphasizing that it forms a core part of the administration’s broader Energy Transformation Programme and its commitment to a greener economy.
The initiative is being coordinated by the Ministry of Youth Development in partnership with House of Destiny Global Services Ltd., a private firm specializing in electric mobility solutions, and the National Commercial Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association (NATOMORAS). Together, they have secured funding and technical support to procure and distribute electric tricycles, commonly known as “kekes,” to selected youth across the country.
A total of 4,000 electric tricycles will be rolled out in the first phase, with plans to scale up to 20,000 units over the next two years. Beneficiaries are being selected through a competitive application process that prioritizes unemployed graduates, out‑of‑school youths, and members of vulnerable communities. Successful applicants will receive the tricycles on a lease‑to‑own basis, allowing them to pay a modest monthly installment from their earnings.
The electric tricycles are powered by locally assembled lithium‑ion batteries that can be charged at designated solar charging stations being set up in major urban centers. Each tricycle has a range of up to 120 kilometers on a single charge and can carry up to three passengers or a small cargo load, making it suitable for both passenger transport and small‑scale logistics.
Proponents of the scheme highlight several economic and environmental benefits. By reducing reliance on fossil‑fuel‑powered motorcycles, the initiative is expected to cut carbon emissions by an estimated 15,000 tons of CO₂ annually. At the same time, operators can lower their fuel and maintenance costs by up to 40 percent, boosting their net income and enabling them to reinvest in their businesses.
The government has also earmarked funds for training and capacity‑building, ensuring that participants receive instruction on basic vehicle maintenance, safe driving practices, and business management. This component is intended to equip youths with the skills needed to sustain their operations beyond the initial lease period and to create additional employment opportunities within their communities.
Despite the optimism, the program faces challenges such as the high upfront cost of electric vehicles, limited charging infrastructure in rural areas, and the need for robust after‑sales service networks. To address these issues, the Ministry of Youth Development has pledged to work with state governments and private investors to expand charging stations and establish local service hubs.
Looking ahead, officials say the initiative could serve as a model for broader electrification efforts in Nigeria’s transport sector. If successful, the Youth Electric Tricycle Empowerment Initiative may be expanded to include electric motorcycles, buses, and even freight vehicles, positioning Nigeria as a leader in sustainable urban mobility within sub‑Saharan Africa.
