Nigeria is set to enter a new era of clean transportation as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu prepares to unveil the nation’s first-ever electric tricycles on Wednesday at Eagle Square, Abuja.
The initiative, driven by the private firm House of Destiny in partnership with the federal ministry of youth development, aims to accelerate the country’s transition to clean energy under the administration’s Renewed Hope agenda.
Speaking with journalists, Israel Olajumoke, CEO of House of Destiny, said the idea was conceived and developed by the company before the federal government adopted it as a tool for economic expansion, environmental protection, and youth empowerment.
He added that the rollout is being done in collaboration with the National Association of Tricycle Owners and Riders (NATOMORAS) to ensure widespread adoption.
Olajumoke said the global shift toward electric mobility made government involvement essential.
“If you’ve been to China, about 70 percent of their vehicles are now electric. The world is transiting, and Nigeria cannot be left behind,” he said.
Charging Not a Problem, CEO Says
Addressing concerns about Nigeria’s unstable power supply, Olajumoke explained that the electric tricycles were designed with flexibility in mind.
“It comes with its own charging gun. As long as there is power from any source — NEPA, generator, solar — you can charge it,” he said.
He also stated that the tricycles use replaceable, not repairable, components, which will make maintenance simpler and cheaper for riders. Local technicians, he said, have already mastered the assembly process.
Local Production Coming Soon
House of Destiny currently manufactures the tricycles in partnership with Chinese companies. However, Olajumoke revealed that work is ongoing on a local assembly plant in the Abuja free trade zone, expected to begin operations within six months.
The company also plans to establish additional factories across Nigeria, starting with Ogun State, which hosts one of Africa’s largest industrial estates.
“Our goal is to spread across Nigeria and then into Africa. This is a national movement,” he said.
The unveiling on Wednesday marks a significant step in Nigeria’s clean energy transition and could redefine public transportation if implementation succeeds.