The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved N151.9 billion for the procurement of electric buses, tricycles, and charging infrastructure to promote sustainable transportation in the North-East region. This move aligns with efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote energy efficiency across the country.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the contracts, with a major focus on providing 10 electric buses, 10,000 electric tricycles, and establishing the necessary charging infrastructure. The contracts, valued at nearly $100 million (N151.9 billion), are set to transform public transportation in the region.
The North-East Development Commission (NEDC) will oversee the project, marking a key milestone in the country’s push towards cleaner energy solutions. The plan includes the delivery of electric vehicles and the establishment of reliable charging stations to support them.
Details of the Contracts and Suppliers
The approved contracts include the supply of 10 electric buses, each with a 17-seat capacity. These will be delivered by Bluecrest Integrated Concept Limited for N2.9 billion within six months. Alongside the buses, the contracts will see the delivery of 10,000 electric tricycles.
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The tricycles will be supplied by several companies: Mutual Commitment Company Ltd will deliver 4,000 tricycles for N49.6 billion, Shanghai Integrated Infrastructure Development will provide 3,000 tricycles for N37.2 billion, and Sinoma Investment International Ltd will supply the remaining 3,000 tricycles. Each electric tricycle will accommodate nine passengers, plus a driver.
Additionally, 237 electric cars, BYD models, will be supplied for N16.3 billion, while KB Laman Motors Nigeria Ltd will manage the N8.4 billion investment in charging infrastructure. These efforts mirror similar initiatives in Lagos, where the state government has begun deploying electric buses as part of its Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.
This initiative is part of Nigeria’s broader effort to foster electric mobility, building on Lagos’s progress with electric buses. The Lagos State Government is already integrating electric buses into its transport network, and Oando PLC has partnered with the state to deploy 5,000 electric buses.
However, challenges remain, including ensuring a stable electricity supply and the long-term sustainability of charging infrastructure. Despite these obstacles, the North-East project marks a significant step toward a cleaner, more sustainable transportation future.
