FG To Roll Out 10,000 Electric Tricycles To Nigerian Market In August, Says VP Shettima

Adds: President Tinubu’s priority is to move Nigeria from fragmented transport system to integrated logistics chain

By: Our Reporter

The Federal Government is set to roll out 10,000 electric tricycles for use as part of a broad plan to ease public transportation across Nigeria.

The tricycles will be distributed by the North East Development Commission (NEDC) in August, 2026 for use across the northeast region and beyond.

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, who disclosed this during a courtesy call by The Transporters For Tinubu / Shettima 2027, said the President “has approved the replication of the initiative in other parts of the country by the various regional development commissions.”

He noted that the priority of the administration of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is to move Nigeria from a fragmented transport system to an integrated logistics chain where ports, rail lines, CNG-powered trucks, inland waterways, airports and local feeder roads work together to support commerce, agriculture, industry and national integration.

Senator Shettima explained that the federal government’s transport reform agenda is anchored on the nationwide rollout of Compressed Natural Gas, major port upgrades and a stronger logistics chain.

This, he said, is aimed at improving working conditions for transport workers across road, rail, maritime, aviation and pipeline operations.

VP Shettima maintained that the Tinubu administration is determined to build a transport economy that lowers the cost of movement, reduces delays at ports, connects farms to markets, strengthens national productivity and gives transporters a more dignified place in the country’s development process.

“Our vision is an unbroken logistics chain, where a container moves from a deep-sea port to a rail wagon, then to a CNG-powered truck, then to a trader in Ariaria Market or Maiduguri, without delay or policy failure,” he said.

He said the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative has begun to prove that Nigeria can use its domestic gas resources to reduce the cost of transportation, especially for heavy-duty vehicles, while government continues to address the technical and infrastructure concerns affecting smaller vehicles.

“We said CNG could cut fuel costs by over 60 per cent, and many called it fantasy. Today, heavy-duty trucks run on Nigerian gas, proving sceptics wrong and returning money to your pockets,” he stated.

Senator Shettima added that the administration is also pushing reforms in the maritime sector through the operationalisation of Lekki Deep Sea Port, the development of the National Single Window and renewed attention to inland waterways, saying the objective is to make Nigerian ports more efficient and globally competitive.

“Before this administration, clearing a container could become an encounter with frustration, corruption, and decay. We promised to unlock the blue economy. Today, with Lekki Deep Sea Port operational, the National Single Window taking shape, and inland waterways receiving attention, our ports are preparing to compete with the world’s best,” he said.

The Vice President also assured transporters that the Federal Government would continue to support policies that promote affordable fuel, insurable fleets, bankable contracts and dignified working conditions.

“This administration shall continue to stand with the Nigerian transporter. We shall continue to fight for affordable fuel, insurable fleets, bankable contracts, and dignified working conditions. We shall build roads that last, rails that stretch across this great nation, ports that breathe, and airports that reflect our pride,” he said.

Earlier in his remarks, the Technical Adviser to the Vice President on Transportation, Logistics and Innovation, Prince Segun Obayendo, said the group, which constitutes a critical engine of Nigeria’s socio-economic survival, was unanimous in its endorsement and support for the Tinubu/Shettima presidency in the 2027 presidential election.

He said the executives of all the groups in the nation’s transport sector comprising air, maritime, rail and road unions, had consulted widely and were emphatic about their conviction and support for the Tinubu administration based on its achievements across different sectors.

Prince Obayendo said the group is convinced that the administration of President Tinubu has set the country on the path of positive growth hence they are prepared to mobilise the support of members of the various unions in the transport sector to ensure Mr President’s re-election in 2027.

For his part, Secretary-General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Oniha Erazua, expressed gratitude to the Tinubu administration for the recognition given to unions in the transport sector in his government.

He said transporters and other stakeholders are convinced that the reforms of the Tinubu administration in the sector would yield greater dividends if sustained, hence their resolve to support the Tinubu/Shettima ticket in the 2027 election.

FG To Roll Out 10,000 Electric Tricycles To Nigerian Market In August, Says VP Shettima

Egbe Pledges Accountability, Visible Progress in Power Sector Reform

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, has assured Nigerians of his commitment to implementing far-reaching reforms aimed at improving electricity supply, strengthening sector accountability, and restoring public confidence in the nation’s power industry.

Speaking after settling into office following his confirmation by the Senate, the minister said his administration had already developed a structured reform agenda focused on discipline, measurable targets, and transparent communication with the public.

Tegbe expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him and disclosed that extensive consultations had been held with key institutions across the electricity value chain.

These engagements, he said, involved the Federal Ministry of Power, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), and other major stakeholders.

According to the minister, the consultations have produced a common understanding among sector players on the need to accelerate reforms and improve service delivery to Nigerians.

He also revealed that discussions with international development agencies and financial partners had yielded encouraging outcomes, with several organizations indicating readiness to provide financial support to help address liquidity challenges that have long constrained the sector.

Highlighting early gains, Tegbe announced the revival of the 450-megawatt Alaoji Open Cycle Power Plant in Abia State, which had remained inactive for about three years. The facility, rehabilitated by the NDPHC, now has the capacity to contribute up to 375 megawatts to the national grid.

The minister further pointed to recent improvements in transmission infrastructure, noting that TCN had successfully energized new assets at Katampe in Abuja as well as substations in Ayede and Abeokuta, developments expected to enhance power delivery across several regions.

On consumer protection, Tegbe welcomed recent regulatory actions requiring electricity distribution companies to compensate Band A customers affected by supply shortfalls. He described the directive as evidence of a growing commitment to holding operators accountable while safeguarding the interests of consumers.

He also cited the swift restoration of electricity in parts of Abuja following the unexpected failure of a 100MVA transformer, praising the coordinated efforts of TCN and Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) teams that resolved the outage within 24 hours.

The minister commended workers across the Ministry of Power and its agencies for their dedication and professionalism, while also acknowledging the support of private sector investors and partners. He assured stakeholders that efficiency, innovation and performance would be rewarded under his leadership.

While acknowledging the magnitude of challenges facing the electricity industry, Tegbe appealed to Nigerians for patience, stressing that decades of infrastructure deficits and systemic problems could not be resolved overnight.

He reiterated his commitment to realistic expectations and transparent governance, promising that while he would not make unrealistic pledges, citizens would witness steady improvements and receive regular updates on progress in the sector.

The minister said the reform process was already underway and expressed confidence that sustained collaboration among government institutions, private investors and development partners would ultimately deliver a more reliable and efficient power system for the country.

egbe Pledges Accountability, Visible Progress in Power Sector Reform

China, Nigeria Strengthen Cultural Diplomacy Through Panda Art Initiative in Abuja

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria and China have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cultural cooperation and people-to-people relations through the launch of the “Hello Nigeria—2026 Panda Painting Interactive Experience,” an initiative aimed at promoting friendship, creativity and mutual understanding between the peoples of both countries.

The event, held at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja, brought together diplomats, government officials, artists, cultural practitioners, students and members of the diplomatic community to celebrate the power of art as a tool for international dialogue and cultural exchange.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Minister of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Zhou Hongyou, described the giant panda as a symbol of peace, harmony and inclusiveness, noting that the exhibition was designed to build bridges between Chinese and African cultures through artistic expression.

According to him, the interactive programme combines the cultural heritage of China’s Sichuan Province—the natural home of the giant panda—with Africa’s vibrant artistic traditions, creating a platform for meaningful engagement among young people and cultural enthusiasts.

“The panda transcends language and borders. Through art, creativity and cultural exchange, we hope to foster deeper understanding and friendship between our peoples,” Zhou said.

The Chinese diplomat noted that the event comes at a significant moment in bilateral relations, as 2026 marks the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Nigeria and China and has been designated as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People and Cultural Exchanges.

He stressed that while economic cooperation remains important, sustainable relations between nations are ultimately built on trust, mutual respect and appreciation of each other’s cultures.

Zhou disclosed that the Chinese Embassy and the China Cultural Centre would continue to expand cultural programmes, youth exchanges, language learning opportunities and artistic collaborations to further strengthen ties between both countries.

Also speaking, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Abdulkarim Ozi Ibrahim, said cultural initiatives such as the Panda Painting Interactive Experience demonstrate the ability of art to unite people across linguistic, geographical and social boundaries.

He described the programme as a practical example of cultural diplomacy in action, emphasizing that creative engagement promotes shared values, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence among nations.

“The creative sector serves as a powerful platform for fostering peace, inclusion and sustainable development. Through culture, we are able to build bridges, strengthen relationships and celebrate our shared humanity,” Ibrahim said.

The Permanent Secretary reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting programmes that encourage intercultural dialogue, artistic innovation, cultural tourism and international partnerships.

He noted that cultural exchanges play an important complementary role to diplomatic and economic relations by creating stronger connections among citizens, particularly young people who will shape the future of both countries.

In his goodwill message, Director-General of the National Gallery of Art, Ahmed Bashir Sodangi, highlighted the transformative role of the arts in promoting understanding and friendship among diverse peoples and cultures.

He described the giant panda as an internationally recognized symbol of friendship and environmental consciousness whose message resonates across continents.

According to Sodangi, the event offers participants an opportunity not only to explore artistic creativity but also to reflect on values such as unity, cultural diversity and environmental stewardship.

He commended the Chinese Embassy for its sustained investment in cultural diplomacy and people-to-people engagement, noting that such initiatives contribute significantly to strengthening the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and China.

“The arts remain one of humanity’s most effective instruments for fostering understanding and building bridges across cultures. Programmes like this create opportunities for learning, collaboration and lasting friendship,” he said.

Throughout the event, speakers emphasized the importance of youth participation in cultural exchange programmes, describing young people as the custodians of future relations between both nations.

Students from various international schools participated in painting activities inspired by the panda, while cultural displays showcased the shared values of peace, creativity and cooperation that underpin Nigeria-China relations.

The event also highlighted growing collaboration between cultural institutions in both countries and reinforced the role of the creative economy as a vehicle for diplomacy, tourism, education and international engagement.

As Nigeria and China celebrate 55 years of diplomatic relations, officials from both countries expressed optimism that cultural initiatives such as the Panda Painting Interactive Experience would deepen mutual understanding, inspire new artistic collaborations and strengthen the bonds of friendship between their peoples for generations to come.

China, Nigeria Strengthen Cultural Diplomacy Through Panda Art Initiative in Abuja