Empowerment: Govt Begins Distribution of 2,000 CNG-Powered Tricycles

The Federal Government, through the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNGi) and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, has officially launched the distribution of 2,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered tricycles as part of efforts to empower Nigerian youth and drive economic development.

The flag-off ceremony, held at the Old Parade Ground in Abuja on Tuesday, was one of the key events commemorating Nigeria’s 64th Independence anniversary.

In his address, Michael Oluwagbemi, Project Director of the Presidential Initiative on CNG, described the distribution as a significant step in fulfilling President Bola Tinubu’s promises to reduce transportation costs, improve the environment through the use of cleaner fuel, and create job opportunities for Nigeria’s youth. He emphasized that the introduction of CNG-powered tricycles is central to achieving these objectives.

“These tricycles represent more than just vehicles for transportation. They symbolize a promise kept by President Tinubu to drive down transportation costs, protect the environment, and create jobs,” Oluwagbemi said. “These units are assembled right here in Nigeria, in Shagamu. Over 50 young Nigerians were trained in the past three weeks to build these tricycles, and many more units are coming.”

Oluwagbemi further highlighted the employment potential of the initiative, noting that the deployment of the tricycles will create jobs not only in their operation but also in maintenance, contributing to a larger economic impact across the country.

“This initiative is not just about transportation. It is a small but vital step toward a future powered by gas, transforming a resource we are abundantly blessed with into wealth and jobs for all Nigerians,” he added.

Dr. Jamila Bio-Ibrahim, Minister for Youth Development, praised the program’s potential to address the transportation challenges faced by both transporters and citizens, while also improving the quality of life for young Nigerians.

“These tricycles will significantly ease transportation challenges across the country,” Dr. Bio-Ibrahim said. “In this period of economic reform, this intervention is a much-needed relief, and it underscores the government’s dedication to improving the lives of young people.”

She also pointed to the National Youth Investment Fund as a key financial support system for young entrepreneurs in the transportation sector, expressing hope for further collaboration with P-CNGi to achieve the government’s goal of distributing 2 million tricycles.

This initiative represents a broader effort by the government to harness Nigeria’s natural gas resources for sustainable development and job creation, while promoting environmental sustainability through the use of clean energy alternatives.