The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Initiative, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, has announced the delivery of 2,000 CNG-powered tricycles to youths in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
At the flag-off event, held at the Old Parade Ground in Abuja on Tuesday as part of activities to commemorate the 64th anniversary of Nigeria’s Independence, the Project Director of the Presidential Initiative on CNG, Michael Oluwagbemi, addressed the youths present.
Oluwagbemi revealed that the tricycles were assembled in Nigeria at a factory in Shagamu by a team of over 50 Nigerian youths who have undergone the necessary training.
He emphasized that the initiative is fully dedicated to delivering on the promise of President Tinubu.
The director also highlighted the numerous job opportunities that will follow the initiative, including operations and maintenance.
“I’m pleased to announce that we are here to deliver on Mr. President’s promise and to hand over 2,000 CNG-powered tricycles that will begin to form the bedrock of this revolution.
“These tricycles you see here are not just here to be used in Nigeria. They are also wholly assembled in Nigeria at a factory in Shagamu. Over 50 young people were trained in the last three weeks and are putting together these CNG tricycles, and many more of them are coming,” he said.
“Beyond the tricycle assembly, we expect that with this delivery, thousands of youths across our country will be employed not just in the operations of these tricycles, but also in the maintenance and efficient deployment of these tricycles across Nigeria.
“It represents a very small step toward delivering a future powered by gas, which ensures Nigeria’s development and transforms a resource we are abundantly blessed with—but currently waste—into something that creates wealth and jobs for all Nigerians.”
The Minister for Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio-Ibrahim, said the tricycles will help tackle the transportation challenges currently facing the country.
She also noted that the intervention is aimed at bringing great relief to Nigerians.
“These tricycles will go a long way in easing the transportation challenges faced by our transporters and citizens across the country. In this crucial time of economic reforms, this intervention will serve as a great relief to our people, demonstrating the administration’s dedication to the quality of life for young people,” she said.
