President Bola Tinubu has unveiled the Electric Tricycle Empowerment Initiative aimed at supporting youth self-employment and advancing national development.
Represented by the Minister of Labour, Dr. Muhammad Dingyadi, the President formally inaugurated the programme at an event on Wednesday in Abuja.
Tinubu said the initiative underscored the government’s commitment to reducing transportation costs, lowering pollution and expanding youth employment opportunities.
He noted that the project aligns with the National Energy Transition Plan, which promotes cleaner mobility and supports Nigeria’s long-term environmental sustainability goals.
According to the President, the electric tricycles are projected to reduce transport costs by 40 per cent, offering a cleaner alternative to fossil-fuel models and helping reduce the nation’s carbon footprint for future generations.
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said the inauguration signalled a new chapter for young Nigerians, especially those in the informal sector. He added that the programme reflects President Tinubu’s vision, leadership and firm belief in the potential of Nigerian youth.
Olawande noted that youth empowerment efforts had long focused on the formal sector, stressing that the new initiative prioritizes informal youth and supports broader efforts to ensure inclusion across government programmes in line with presidential directives.
Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Youth Development, Dr. Maryam Keshinro, said the inauguration marked a significant milestone. Represented by Joseph Samuel, Director of General Services at the ministry, she described the initiative as a movement guiding young Nigerians toward a future defined by technology, sustainability, innovation and long-term national economic prosperity.
She said the programme aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda and addresses unemployment, sustainability and rising transport costs by creating green jobs and promoting clean transportation to strengthen Nigeria’s climate commitments.
President of NATOMORAS, Usman Gwoza, described the initiative as a symbol of hope, cleaner energy and improved income for riders. He urged the government to empower members through the House of Destiny to ensure effective distribution and nationwide implementation.
Gwoza added that providing riders with electric tricycles would reduce unemployment, improve access to affordable transport, strengthen Nigeria’s energy transition and support the country’s growing green economy by expanding opportunities within the electric mobility sector.
