By Nkechi Eze
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has thrown his weight behind a proposed private-sector-driven electric mass transit initiative aimed at reducing transportation costs and creating employment opportunities across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
Akume said the Renewed Hope Electric Transportation Initiative (RHETI), if successfully implemented, would provide affordable transportation, support Nigeria’s energy transition and open up employment opportunities for young Nigerians.
He stated this in Abuja on Thursday while receiving a delegation of promoters of the initiative, led by its Convener and Initiator, Dr. Madisca Achile.
According to an official statement signed by Yomi Odunuga, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the SGF, Akume identified reduced transportation costs, energy transition, job creation and equitable distribution of benefits across the six geopolitical zones as major advantages of the proposed scheme.
He noted that the removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, although a necessary economic decision, had increased the financial burden on commuters, making affordable mass transportation an important intervention.
Akume explained that the proposed electric transport scheme would reduce the amount Nigerians spend on daily commuting, leaving households with more resources for other essential needs.
On employment generation, he said the initiative would create opportunities for drivers, technicians and other skilled workers, while the establishment of charging stations could stimulate additional economic activities.
He added that the scheme could eventually create opportunities for local assembly and manufacturing of electric vehicle components, disclosing that the promoters were already working with the National Directorate of Employment to train young Nigerians in electric vehicle repairs and maintenance.
The SGF also noted that the initiative would complement the Presidential CNG Initiative and Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan, positioning the country to participate more actively in the global shift towards cleaner energy.
He welcomed the promoters’ proposal to begin with one pilot route in a city within each geopolitical zone before expanding operations based on performance and measurable results.
However, Akume cautioned that the promoters must demonstrate the feasibility and sustainability of the project, stressing that affordable fares, reliable electricity supply, charging infrastructure, vehicle maintenance and passenger safety must be guaranteed.
“Good intentions do not move buses. Electricity moves them. Maintenance keeps them on the road. Sound management keeps fares within reach and passengers safe,” he said.
He clarified that the Federal Government’s interest in the initiative did not constitute final approval, insisting that the promoters must submit a comprehensive implementation framework outlining the pilot cities, funding model, timelines and expected outcomes.
Akume disclosed that his office had constituted a team, working under the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs, to collaborate with the promoters towards developing an implementable framework.
He also pledged to facilitate engagement between the promoters and relevant government institutions, including the Federal Ministries of Transportation, Power and Finance, the Presidential CNG Initiative and the National Automotive Design and Development Council.
Earlier, Achile said the initiative was conceived to complement the Tinubu administration’s efforts to reduce poverty and ease the transportation burden on Nigerians.
He explained that the promoters were proposing to finance the project without requesting financial support from the Federal Government, seeking only government approval, coordination and an enabling environment for its implementation.
“We are here to add value to the agenda of Mr President, and we are doing this without asking a kobo from the Federal Government. We are here just to get approval, and this is a way out to contribute to mass transit in the country and the reduction of the cost of transportation,” he said.
Achile expressed optimism that the initiative would add value to the transportation sector and provide Nigerians with more affordable mass transit options.
