By Segun Adewale in Bauchi
The Bauchi State Coordinator of the North East Development Commission (NEDC) says the Commission is yet to finalise modalities for the distribution of 10,330 electric vehicles across the six states of the North East.
The Coordinator, Alhaji Aliyu Isiyaku, disclosed this yesterday in Bauchi during a stakeholders’ engagement workshop themed “Powering the North-East: Embracing Electric Mobility for a Cleaner, Smarter and Prosperous Future.”
Isiyaku said the Commission is proposing to deploy 10,000 electric tricycles, 300 electric taxis and 30 electric buses to promote cleaner, cheaper and more sustainable transportation in the region.
He explained that the engagement, which brought together transport operators, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and other stakeholders, was organised to sensitise them on the initiative and obtain their input ahead of deployment.
According to him, consultations have been held across the six states and the Commission will deliberate on all recommendations to determine the most appropriate and transparent distribution mechanism.
He assured that the process will be guided by the Commission’s established policies and procedures and urged interested groups to exercise patience while arrangements are finalised.
Isiyaku noted that the initiative is expected to reduce transportation costs, create jobs for youths, protect the environment and cut carbon emissions, adding that the success of the initial phase would determine future expansion.
The clarification followed calls by some transport unions that the vehicles be distributed through recognised transport associations rather than state governments to ensure transparency, accountability and fairness. END
