The Federal Government has announced plans to introduce 10,000 electric tricycles into the Nigerian market in August 2026 as part of efforts to modernise public transportation and strengthen the country’s logistics network.
Vice President Kashim Shettima disclosed the development during a courtesy visit by the Transporters for Tinubu/Shettima 2027 group. The announcement was contained in a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications to the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha.
According to Shettima, the electric tricycles will initially be distributed by the North East Development Commission (NEDC) for deployment across the North-East region and other parts of the country.
He revealed that President Bola Tinubu has approved the expansion of the programme through regional development commissions, enabling broader nationwide implementation.
The Vice President explained that the initiative forms part of the administration’s wider transport reform agenda aimed at creating an integrated logistics system that connects seaports, rail lines, inland waterways, airports, roads and modern transport infrastructure.
“Our vision is an unbroken logistics chain, where a container moves from a deep-sea port to a rail wagon, then to a CNG-powered truck, then to a trader in Ariaria Market or Maiduguri, without delay or policy failure,” Shettima said.
He noted that the administration is pursuing a comprehensive transportation strategy built around infrastructure upgrades, logistics efficiency and the increased use of alternative energy sources.
A key component of the government’s plan is the continued expansion of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Initiative, which aims to lower transportation costs by encouraging the use of Nigeria’s abundant natural gas resources.
Shettima stated that the initiative has already demonstrated significant benefits, particularly for operators of heavy-duty vehicles.
“We said CNG could cut fuel costs by over 60 per cent, and many called it fantasy. Today, heavy-duty trucks run on Nigerian gas, proving sceptics wrong and returning money to your pockets,” he said.
The Vice President also assured transport operators that the government remains committed to improving working conditions across the road, rail, maritime, aviation and pipeline transportation sectors.
He pledged continued support through policies designed to promote affordable fuel alternatives, improved infrastructure, access to financing and better operating conditions for transport workers.
“This administration shall continue to stand with the Nigerian transporter. We shall continue to fight for affordable fuel, insurable fleets, bankable contracts and dignified working conditions,” he added.
Speaking during the event, the Technical Adviser to the Vice President on Transportation, Logistics and Innovation, Prince Segun Obayendo, disclosed that transport unions across various sectors had endorsed the Tinubu/Shettima administration for the 2027 elections following consultations among their leadership.
Also, the Secretary-General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Comrade Oniha Erazua, praised the administration for engaging transport unions and expressed confidence that ongoing reforms would continue to benefit workers and operators in the sector.
The planned rollout of the electric tricycles is expected to support cleaner transportation, reduce dependence on conventional fuel and create new opportunities for economic activity, particularly in urban and semi-urban communities across Nigeria.
