The Federal Government, through the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, has launched 2,000 CNG-powered tricycles to empower young Nigerians. The unveiling, which took place at the Old Parade Ground in Abuja, was part of the celebrations for Nigeria’s 64th Independence anniversary.
The Project Director of the Presidential Initiative on CNG, Michael Oluwagbemi, stated that the distribution of the tricycles fulfills President Bola Tinubu’s commitments, to reduce transportation costs, enhance economic well-being, promote environmental sustainability with clean fuel, and create job opportunities for youth.
In his remarks, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, the Minister of State for Youth Development, highlighted the government’s plans to raise the number of CNG tricycles from 2,000 to 5,000. He clarified that, in addition to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), other states across the country will also benefit from the presidential initiative.
The Minister for Youth Development, Dr Jamila Bio-Ibrahim, noted that the tricycles will ease transportation challenges for both transporters and citizens, commending the Tinubu-led administration for its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for young people. She emphasized that the National Youth Investment Fund will act as a “financial backbone” for young investors to succeed in the transportation sector. Additionally, the Ministry aims to collaborate with the P-CNGi to achieve its target of 2 million tricycles.
According to her, “These tricycles will go a long way in easing the transportation challenges faced by our transporters and citizens across the country. In this crucial time of economic reforms, this intervention will serve as a great relief to our people, demonstrating the administration’s dedication to the quality of life for young people”.
