FG Authorizes N151.9 Billion for North-East Electric Buses and Tricycles.

The Tinubu administration is set to initiate a large-scale electric vehicle transportation project in northeast Nigeria, following the Federal Executive Council's recent approval that removed the final barrier to the plan's execution. Last week, the Council sanctioned contracts totaling nearly $100 million, equivalent to N151.9 billion, aimed at providing buses and tricycles, as well as establishing the necessary charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. Among the approved contracts, ten 17-seater electric buses will be supplied by Bluecrest Integrated Concept Limited, with a delivery timeline of six months at a cost of N2.9 billion. Mutual Commitment Company Limited is tasked with supplying 4,000 e-tricycles for N49.6 billion within a nine-month period, while Shanghai Integrated Infrastructure Development will provide an additional 3,000 tricycles for N37.2 billion. Sinoma Investment International Limited will also contribute by supplying another 3,000 e-tricycles, each capable of accommodating nine passengers along with the driver. In a separate contract valued at N16.3 billion, HNCEGC will deliver 100 BYD Dolphin EVs, 100 BYD Qin Plus EVs, and 37 BYD Yuan Plus EVs. Concurrently, KB Laman Motors Nigeria Limited will set up the charging stations for the e-buses and tricycles at a cost of N8.4 billion. The North East Development Commission will finance these contracts as part of its initiative to mitigate carbon emissions and enhance energy efficiency in the region. President Tinubu had previously approved the acquisition of the electric vehicles in October of the previous year and conducted inspections of the vehicle samples, chargers, and batteries. Bayo Onanuga.