The Federal Government will soon introduce mass electric vehicle transportation in Northeast Nigeria after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved N151.9 billion in contracts for the project. The initiative, funded by the North East Development Commission (NEDC), aims to promote energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions in the region.
According to a statement from Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, the contracts cover the supply of electric buses and tricycles, as well as the establishment of charging infrastructure.
Under the approved contracts:
– Bluecrest Integrated Concept Limited will supply 10 electric 17-seater buses for N2.9 billion within six months.
– Mutual Commitment Company Ltd will deliver 4,000 e-tricycles for N49.6 billion in nine months.
– Shanghai Integrated Infrastructure Development and Sinoma Investment International Ltd will supply 3,000 e-tricycles each.
– HNCEGC will provide 237 BYD electric cars for N16.3 billion.
– KB Laman Motors Nigeria Ltd will oversee the charging infrastructure for N8.4 billion.
President Tinubu initially approved the procurement of the electric vehicles in October 2024 and later inspected samples, including chargers and batteries.
This initiative follows similar efforts in Lagos, where electric buses are being integrated into the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. In January 2025, Oando PLC announced a partnership with the Lagos State Government to deploy 5,000 electric buses. Additionally, LAMATA plans to introduce 50 electric vehicles by the end of the year, with the state engaging the Federal Government to expand charging infrastructure.
If successful, the Northeast project could accelerate electric vehicle adoption nationwide. However, challenges such as electricity supply stability and charging infrastructure sustainability remain key concerns.
