President Bola Tinubu has introduced the Electric Tricycle Empowerment Initiative, a programme designed to expand youth self-employment and advance national development.
The president, represented by Minister of Labour Muhammad Dingyadi, formally launched the initiative on Wednesday at an event in Abuja.
He said the programme underscores the government’s resolve to reduce transport costs, lower environmental pollution and create more jobs for young people. According to him, the effort supports the national energy transition plan, which seeks to promote cleaner mobility options and strengthen Nigeria’s long-term environmental sustainability agenda.
Mr Tinubu explained that the electric tricycles are expected to cut transport costs by as much as 40 per cent, offering a cleaner alternative to traditional fossil-fuel tricycles while helping to shrink the country’s carbon footprint for future generations.
Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande said the programme signals a new beginning for young Nigerians, particularly those in the informal sector. He emphasised that the initiative reflects the president’s “vision, leadership and continued belief in the potential of Nigerian youth.” Mr Olawande noted that empowerment efforts had historically prioritised the formal sector, stressing that this scheme shifts focus to informal youth and aligns with broader government commitments to inclusion under presidential directives.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth Development, Maryam Keshinro, described the launch as a major milestone. She said the initiative represents “a movement guiding young Nigerians toward a future shaped by technology, sustainability, innovation and long-term economic prosperity for the nation.” Represented by Joseph Samuel, Director of General Services, she added that the programme supports the Renewed Hope Agenda by tackling unemployment, promoting clean transportation and creating green jobs in line with Nigeria’s climate goals.
President of NATOMORAS, Usman Gwoza, hailed the introduction of the electric tricycles as a symbol of hope, cleaner energy and improved earnings for riders. He appealed to the government to empower members through the House of Destiny to ensure effective distribution and nationwide rollout. Mr Gwoza said providing electric tricycles to riders would help curb unemployment, offer more affordable transport, strengthen the energy transition and expand opportunities in the growing electric mobility sector across the country.
