The Benue State Investment and Property Company (BIPC) has recently launched solar-powered electric taxis that are eco-friendly with zero per cent emissions.
Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, Group Managing Director, BIPC, at the commissioning, held at the Head Office in Makurdi, said the electric vehicles are testaments to the company’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting sustainable mobility.
He said the electric vehicles would reduce the state’s reliance on fossil fuels, decrease air pollution, and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
He added: “Today, we gather to mark a significant milestone in our journey towards a more sustainable future.”
The lead partner of the project, Mr. Esse Oke of ESSE Mobility Group, who described the rollout as a milestone in Nigeria’s clean energy transition, lauded both BIPC and the Benue State Government for embracing their vision. He revealed that the Green Wheels Taxi project features the first set of electric/solar-powered taxis in Africa, with a target of deploying 500 units across Makurdi, Gboko, and Otukpo.
Dr. Raymond also commended the governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, and all parties involved in making the project a reality.
According to him, “the commissioning of the Green Wheel Taxi demonstrates Benue State’s commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship, paving the way for a cleaner and greener future.”
He said: “To our esteemed Co-Manager Esse Mobility, we are grateful for unlocking the electricity vehicle. This will go a long way in reducing unemployment and increasing our state’s GDP.
“As we move forward, let’s continue to prioritise sustainability, innovation, and environmental stewardship. Together, we can create a cleaner, greener future for generations to come.”
Dr. Asemakaha also explained the vehicle, if fully charged, could be driven for a distance of 500 km, adding that the company has already secured a charging point at its filling station.
“Concerning the booking, we have already developed an easy application, you can go to the google play store and download it so that you can test run it.
“We are trying to give the masses as much transportation as possible. We feel the Benue people deserve better than what they have, so for as low as 200 or 300 Naira, you can get our services.
“We are commencing with Makurdi, then move to Gboko and Otukpo before the year ends. We are bringing the assembly plant inside the head office so that our people can learn technology.
“It is eco-friendly to reduce carbon emissions and is in line with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, SDGS. We want to help students and market women have access to cheap transportation and better services. I want to see this technology adopted in our communities today,” he added.
Earlier, the managing director/CEO of Esse Mobility, Okey Esse, informed that the project would provide affordable transportation to the people, starting with Makurdi as the pilot city and then expanding to other cities in the state.
He said the solar-powered taxi is the first of its kind in Africa, which marks a significant step towards sustainable transportation in the region.
He noted that the project is expected to create at least 8,500 direct jobs in the state by December, thereby contributing to the local economy and providing employment opportunities for residents.
“This electric/solar powered vehicle will reduce the state’s reliance on fossil fuels, decrease air pollution, and mitigate the impacts of climate change, paving the way for a cleaner and greener future,” he noted
He added that about 500 electric/solar-powered taxis are expected to be rolled out in the state by December, providing efficient transportation services to the people and further solidifying Benue State’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.
The Green Wheels Taxi initiative marks a major step in Benue’s drive toward sustainable development and innovation in public transportation.
The cars are zero-emission and eco-friendly, equipped with a control system and geofencing technology that can trace the location of rhe car. It also has an in-built CCTV to track movement and ensure security of passengers.
