The North-East Development Commission (NEDC) is intensifying efforts to promote electric mobility in Taraba State as part of its strategy to improve transportation, create jobs and stimulate sustainable economic growth across the region. A stakeholders’ sensitisation workshop was held on the deployment and operation of electric mobility in Taraba State, themed “Powering the North-East: Embracing Electric Mobility for a Cleaner, Smarter and Prosperous Future.” The workshop brought together government representatives, transport operators, financial institutions, technical experts, development partners, transport unions and community leaders.
The NEDC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mohammed Alkali, emphasised that electric mobility offered the region an opportunity to address transportation challenges, expand economic opportunities and reduce environmental pollution. Alkali, represented by the Taraba State Coordinator of the Commission, Adamu Lawal, stated that the deployment of electric buses, vehicles and tricycles would promote economic efficiency, encourage innovation and create employment opportunities while supporting efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
According to Alkali, the initiative goes beyond introducing a new means of transportation, as it is also designed to improve connectivity between communities, empower residents and enhance their quality of life. He noted that the initiative aligned with the NEDC’s North-East Stabilisation and Development Master Plan, particularly its pillars on connected regions and environmental protection. Alkali called on stakeholders to collaborate towards ensuring the successful implementation of the programme.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Atahir Enterprises Nigeria Limited, Mr Bunu Umar Abacha, said the workshop was designed to bring stakeholders together to examine the opportunities and challenges associated with electric mobility and to develop a sustainable operational framework for the region. Abacha stated that the initiative should not be limited to the distribution of electric vehicles and tricycles but should establish an integrated ecosystem capable of generating employment, supporting technology development and improving livelihoods.
Abacha explained that the programme aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on economic growth, job creation, transportation improvement, energy transition and inclusive development. He added that the workshop provides an opportunity for stakeholders to move beyond policy discussions, to developing practical strategies for implementing electric mobility in ways that reflect the peculiar needs and realities of the North-East.
The initiative also supports the objectives of the North-East Stabilisation and Development Master Plan 2020–2030, which recognises transportation as a critical component of regional development and economic integration. Abacha expressed optimism that the deliberations would produce actionable recommendations for the successful deployment of electric mobility in Taraba State and the wider North-East region.
The NEDC's effort to deploy electric vehicles in Taraba State is expected to create jobs, stimulate economic growth and improve the quality of life for residents. The programme's success will depend on the collaboration of stakeholders, including government representatives, transport operators and community leaders. The NEDC remains committed to promoting sustainable development in the North-East region.
Key points
- NEDC to deploy electric buses, vehicles and tricycles in Taraba State
- Initiative aims to promote economic efficiency, encourage innovation and create employment opportunities
- Programme aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and NEDC’s North-East Stabilisation and Development Master Plan
