JJoel Ajayi
The Federal Government on Wednesday unveiled a new Electric Tricycle and Motorcycle Empowerment Programme designed to tackle youth unemployment, ease transportation costs, and reduce carbon emissions nationwide.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi officially launched the Electric Tricycle Empowerment Initiative of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development at Eagle Square, Abuja.
The programme is being implemented in partnership with House of Destiny Global Services and the National Commercial Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association (NATOMORAS).
Tinubu said the introduction of electric tricycles demonstrates his administration’s resolve to “reduce transportation costs, lower pollution, and create sustainable job opportunities for Nigerian youth.”
“I am pleased to launch this Electric Tricycle Empowerment Initiative, a programme designed to enable our young people to become self-employed and contribute meaningfully to national development,” he said.
The President noted that the initiative aligns with the government’s broader energy-transition agenda, adding that electric tricycles can cut transportation costs by up to 40 percent while providing a cleaner, more efficient alternative to fuel-powered models.
He commended the Ministry of Youth Development for championing the project and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to youth empowerment, green energy adoption, and strong public-private partnerships.
In his remarks, the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, said the programme is a key component of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at creating jobs, reducing emissions, and strengthening the economy.
According to him, thousands of young Nigerians will benefit from the initiative through tricycle operation, maintenance, charging-station services, and other opportunities along the value chain.
He described President Tinubu’s programmes as “clear indicators of quality leadership,” urging young people in both the formal and informal sectors to tap into available empowerment initiatives.
“For too long, youth empowerment focused mainly on the formal sector. For over 40 years, Nigerian youths struggled to feel the impact of government,” he said. “But today, under a true leader—not a ruler—President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we are seeing genuine partnerships and renewed collaboration that will transform the fortunes of this country.”
Olawande stressed that informal-sector youths are also a priority, noting that every young person—whether a graduate or a transporter—deserves dignity, stability, and sustainable income.
“This electric tricycle initiative brings empowerment directly to your doorstep,” he said.
He highlighted three major problems the initiative addresses:
Job Creation – opportunities for mechanics, technicians, operators, and charging-station workers. Reduced Fuel Burden to elimination of petrol costs and increased take-home income for operators and a Cleaner Environment to reduced carbon emissions and healthier cities.
Olawande praised the Federal Government’s investment in electric mobility, particularly its collaboration with NASENI, which is developing electric vehicles that meet global standards.
He revealed that the Ministry will issue more than 100 start-up grants before the end of the year, with dedicated support packages also planned for informal-sector youths.
“Enough of the complaints. Let us work together to build wealth, create solutions, and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s green future,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of NATOMORAS, Alhaji Usman Buba Gwoza described the launch of the electric tricycle programme as “a new dawn for Nigeria’s transport sector.”
He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, the Youth Development Ministry, and House of Destiny Global Services for making the initiative a reality, noting that NATOMORAS represents over 18 million registered operators who power mobility across rural and urban areas.
“The introduction of electric tricycles is not just a technological milestone; it is a symbol of hope—an opportunity for cleaner energy, reduced fuel expenses, and better earnings for our members,” he said.
Gwoza appealed to the Federal Government to further empower tricycle operators through the provision of the new electric units managed by House of Destiny Global Services, a company he described as a trusted indigenous partner with proven capacity.
Such support, he said, would drastically cut youth unemployment, expand access to clean, affordable transportation, and advance Nigeria’s green-economy and energy-transition goals.
He also commended Minister Olawande for his dedication and leadership, noting that his impact is being felt nationwide.
“NATOMORAS will continue to promote peace, order, and unity within the transport sector and remain committed to supporting this administration today, tomorrow, and beyond 2027,” he added.
