NEDC Plans 10,330 Electric Vehicles for North-East

The North-East Development Commission (NEDC) has announced plans to deploy 10,330 electric vehicles across the region’s six states to reduce transportation costs, create jobs and promote cleaner mobility.

The proposed fleet comprises 10,000 electric tricycles, 300 electric taxis and 30 electric buses. The project is being implemented in partnership with Attahir Enterprises Nigeria Limited.

Speaking at the end of a two-day stakeholders’ engagement and sensitisation workshop in Bauchi on Friday, the NEDC Bauchi State Coordinator, Aliyu Isiyaku, said the initiative would provide affordable, safer and environmentally friendly transport services.

He said the program was also expected to create employment opportunities for young people and reduce carbon emissions, urging community leaders and transport operators to support its implementation.

The Chief Executive Officer of Attahir Enterprises Nigeria Limited, Umar Abacha, said the vehicles could travel up to 300 kilometres on a full charge.

He explained that electric buses and taxis would primarily serve urban areas, while tricycles would be deployed to local government areas. Three charging points would be established, and each tricycle would come with two charging units for operators to charge their vehicles at home.

Abacha said the vehicles would be handed over to state governments for distribution to beneficiaries, who would receive training on their safe and efficient operation.

Transport union representatives welcomed the initiative, saying it could ease the burden of rising fuel costs on operators and passengers. However, they urged the NEDC to establish transparent selection criteria and involve recognised transport unions in identifying beneficiaries.

They also called for proper maintenance, effective monitoring and equitable distribution to prevent political interference and ensure the vehicles serve their intended purpose.

The NEDC said the success of the initial phase would help determine whether the programme would be expanded across the region.