The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has unveiled plans to introduce a fleet of solar-powered vehicles, including nine-seater tricycles, four-seater taxis, and 40-seater buses, aimed at enhancing inter-state transportation across the region. The announcement was made during a meeting in Maiduguri with the Nigeria Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the National Association of Transport Owners (NATO).
General Manager Mohammed Goni stated that this initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for modernizing the transportation sector. He confirmed that the President has approved the project, allowing NEDC to proceed with discussions on operational modalities with key transportation stakeholders.
“We want to introduce innovative ideas into our transportation system in the North East,” Goni explained. The plan involves deploying 10,000 solar-powered tricycles, which he believes will significantly enhance transport coverage throughout the region.
Goni highlighted the region’s abundant sunlight, stating, “We are exploring solar energy to power the vehicles.” He added that fully charged buses would have a travel range of up to 300 kilometers and mentioned plans to conduct training sessions for drivers and NEDC staff to ensure smooth operations.
This initiative has been well received by local stakeholders. Taraba State NATO Chairman Adama Tukur praised the NEDC’s efforts, calling the project a vital contribution to combating climate change. Similarly, Ahmodu Musa, the Secretary of NURTW in Borno State, emphasized the importance of effective vehicle deployment to guarantee success.
Overall, the NEDC’s solar-powered vehicle initiative aims to modernize transportation in the North East while promoting environmental sustainability.
