The Federal Government has commenced the rollout of a 100-unit electric bus programme designed to improve transportation for federal civil servants while supporting its broader push to develop Nigeria’s electric vehicle manufacturing industry.
The first batch of the buses was commissioned on Wednesday at Eagle Square in Abuja.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, described the initiative as an important step towards improving the welfare of government workers.
The initial phase comprises 37 buses out of the 100 approved under the Renewed Hope Mass Transit Programme.
Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, John Owan Enoh, said the initiative was not solely about providing transportation but was also part of the government’s industrialisation strategy.
According to Enoh, Nigeria needs to increase domestic production, expand manufacturing and create more employment opportunities within the country.
He said the government wanted vehicles and other mobility solutions used in Nigeria to increasingly be produced locally, with the ultimate goal of making the country a major automotive manufacturing hub in Africa.
Enoh stressed that achieving this ambition would require the development of expertise beyond vehicle assembly.
He identified battery production, charging infrastructure, power electronics and other modern vehicle technologies as areas where local capacity must be strengthened.
He also commended the National Automotive Design and Development Council and other stakeholders involved in the project, urging local manufacturers to invest in production facilities, increase local content and develop products capable of competing in international markets.
The minister said each of the electric buses could carry as many as 200 passengers and cover at least 200 kilometres on a full charge.
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The buses are expected to begin operations under a pilot scheme covering selected routes before the programme is expanded. Some units will also be deployed to Federal Secretariats in states across the country.
Walson-Jack disclosed that a Special Purpose Vehicle had been created to oversee the operation and maintenance of the buses.
She called for clear route planning, adequate safety measures and effective monitoring to ensure the sustainability of the programme.
The commissioning took place less than a day before the conclusion of Walson-Jack’s tenure as Head of the Civil Service.
She described the electric bus programme as her “parting gift” to federal workers.
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Cecilia Attah is a tech analyst with a degree from Benue State University. She covers tech news and startups at TechRegard with a focus on how technology is transforming Africa and shaping the global landscape.
