Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has announced plans to launch 10,000 electric tricycles to empower women through sustainable mobility across the country.
The initiative unveiled by the Minister, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, under the Ministry’s Green Economy Empowerment 774 (GEE774) programme will be implemented across all 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Nigeria.
The Minister stated, “we are not just providing transportation; we are opening doors to economic opportunities. This initiative will create green jobs, foster entrepreneurship, and empower women to fully engage in the economy, leading to greater stability and growth in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s GCFR Renewed Hope Agenda.”
According to her, women remain integral to communities and their empowerment serves as a catalyst for positive change.
She noted that equipping them with essential resources enables them to become dynamic agents of transformation.
The Minister emphasised the environmental benefits of the programme, stating that the transport sector significantly contributes to carbon emissions, making the transition to electric mobility crucial.
Mitigate Climate Impacts
She said the initiative would help mitigate climate impacts while enhancing air quality and public health.
“This project exemplifies the commitment of Mr. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for gender mainstreaming,” the Minister emphasized. “By offering women sustainable transportation options, we are building resilience and empowering them to face climate challenges.”
The partnership is designed to provide women with 3-wheeler (8-seater) electric tricycles and 3-wheeler tricycles with carriage for Rice Mill (farm-to-market), marking a pivotal step towards gender equality, growth and climate action.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Nko Asanye Esuabana, on behalf of the Ministry with Sparrow Mobility Limited, represented at the signing by Mr. Adeniyi Ologunleko.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, through inclusive policies that support women and integrate environmental sustainability into national development strategies.
The initiative aligns with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) commitment under the Paris Agreement and supports the country’s goal of achieving NetZero emissions by 2060.
By embracing electric mobility, the Ministry says the programme will reduce greenhouse gas emissions while promoting a cleaner and healthier environment.
The Ministry while urging stakeholders to actively support the initiative, emphasised that sustained partnership, investment and community engagement will be critical to driving meaningful change.
This will ensure the programme’s long-term implementation across all 774 Local Government Areas, impact, and promote an empowered female workforce across Nigeria.