The Federal Government, in collaboration with the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNGi) and the Ministry of Youth Development, has launched the distribution of 2,000 CNG-powered tricycles to empower Nigerian youth. The event, held at the Old Parade Ground in Abuja, was part of the celebration of Nigeria’s 64th Independence anniversary. This initiative is aimed at reducing transportation costs, boosting economic well-being, promoting the use of clean fuel, and creating job opportunities for young people.
Michael Oluwagbemi, the Project Director of the Presidential Initiative on CNG, emphasized that this distribution fulfills President Bola Tinubu’s promise to introduce CNG-powered tricycles. He noted that the tricycles were assembled in Shagamu and would not only be used across the country but also create employment in operations and maintenance. Oluwagbemi highlighted that the initiative is a step towards utilizing Nigeria’s abundant gas resources to generate wealth and jobs, especially for the youth.
Minister for Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio-Ibrahim, praised the initiative, noting that the tricycles would help alleviate transportation challenges for both transporters and citizens. She commended the government’s commitment to improving youth welfare and mentioned the National Youth Investment Fund as a financial support system for young investors in the transportation sector. The Ministry plans to collaborate further with P-CNGi to reach its goal of distributing 2 million tricycles across the country.