By Adedapo Adesanya
The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has announced plans to introduce e-mobility for commercial purposes in all six states of the region.
This is part of the commission’s initiatives to reduce hardships on the people of the region, which comprises Taraba, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa and Borno States caused by the removal of subsidy on petroleum products.
The project, which has been approved by President Bola Tinubu, will commence soon after final deliberations with a Joint State Committee of the six states comprising the NEDC.
The e-mobility project, according to the NEDC Managing Director, Mr Mohammed Alkali, will provide tricycles, taxis, and buses for intra and inter-state services, reducing reliance on gas and petrol.
He revealed that the project would be implemented in phases based on individual state needs and would include training and maintenance schedules for staff, road unions, and beneficiaries.
He added that the e-mobility vehicles would be provided on loan, with flexible terms and conditions determined by the Joint Committee.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting in Maiduguri during the week, Mr Alkali solicited support and cooperation from union leaders and members to ensure the project’s success.
He noted that the project was expected to influence rapid development in the region.
In a related development, a group known as the North-East Youths Discussion Circle has commended the Board and Management of NEDC for providing succour to all victims of the recent flood disaster that ravaged communities in Maiduguri, Borno State capital as well as several other communities across the Six Northeastern states.
The commendation was made by President of North East Youth Discussion Circle, Mr Mohammed Sani alongside his Executives Council members across the Six states of North Eastern Nigeria at a press briefing held in Bauchi on Thursday.
He stressed that by promptly coming to the rescue of the victims of the disaster by providing relief items, the Commission has demonstrated that it is indeed an agency of hope to the people of the subregion.