The Federal Government (FG) has begun rolling out electric buses for federal civil servants as part of a wider plan to modernize public transportation and build Nigeria’s capacity to manufacture electric vehicles locally.
The first batch of buses was commissioned on Wednesday at Eagle Square in Abuja under the government’s 100-bus programme. The initiative is being implemented through the Renewed Hope Mass Transit Programme and financed by the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund.
The first phase comprises 37 of the 100 electric buses approved for the programme, with the buses expected to provide more affordable and reliable transportation for federal workers while supporting Nigeria’s transition toward cleaner mobility.
Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, described the rollout as a significant milestone in efforts to improve the welfare of civil servants.
However, the government is positioning the project as more than a public transportation initiative. Officials say the electric bus programme is also intended to stimulate local manufacturing and develop the industrial ecosystem required to support Nigeria’s emerging electric vehicle market.
Government wants Nigeria to manufacture its own EVs
Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, John Owan Enoh, said the electric bus programme forms part of the government’s broader industrialisation agenda.
According to Enoh, Nigeria needs to move beyond importing vehicles and gradually develop the capacity to manufacture mobility solutions domestically.
“Nigeria must produce more. Nigeria must manufacture more. Nigeria must create more jobs at home.”
He said the long-term ambition is to position Nigeria as an automotive manufacturing hub for Africa. Achieving that…
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