The Federal Ministry of Youth Development has reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to inclusive economic growth, clean energy adoption and women’s economic empowerment with the deployment of solar-powered electric tricycles to women entrepreneurs in the Federal Capital Territory.
The Electric Tricycle Empowerment Initiative, launched in November 2025, was formally handed over to members of the Women of Wisdom Multipurpose Cooperative Society in Abuja on Friday under the theme Empowering Women, Building Futures. The programme aims to strengthen livelihoods, promote clean mobility and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, the Minister of Youth Development said the initiative is part of broader efforts to integrate green technologies into informal economic activities, particularly within cooperatives and small enterprises. He noted that expanding access to electric vehicles equipped with solar panels can help cut operational costs driven by rising fuel prices and energy volatility, while also supporting national climate goals.
According to the ministry, the solar-enhanced tricycles lower daily running costs, improve climate resilience and reduce harmful emissions compared with conventional fuel-powered models. Electric tricycles also offer lower maintenance costs, reduced air and noise pollution and increased efficiency for small-scale transport operators.
Beneficiaries were urged to regard the vehicles as productive business assets capable of generating sustainable income rather than short-term assistance. The programme reflects a government-led effort to translate sustainability commitments into tangible opportunities for youth and women entrepreneurs, particularly in the informal sector.
The President of the Women of Wisdom Cooperative welcomed the initiative, saying access to clean and productive assets will strengthen members’ economic participation and advance women’s roles in Nigeria’s growing green economy. A representative of transport operators also emphasised the importance of responsible asset management and accountability, and said successful implementation could pave the way for similar empowerment programmes nationwide.
The initiative aligns with national policies to support youth employment and environmental sustainability and complements other recent government efforts to promote clean transportation solutions across sectors.
