ABUJA – The Federal Government has launched a nationwide youth empowerment initiative, distributing 2,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) tricycles to beneficiaries across the country.
This program, part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, aims to create jobs, lower emissions, and promote economic development. It is expected to generate numerous employment opportunities for young people in various aspects of tricycle operation, maintenance, and deployment.
The distribution ceremony was led by the Minister of State for Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, on Tuesday in Abuja, coinciding with the celebrations for Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary.
“This initiative goes beyond mere tokenism. We recognize that there are individuals who require re-engineering. We must refine our approach to effectively address these issues. The President has shown his commitment, and we have been working diligently on this for the past month,” he stated.
Olawande emphasized the importance of Nigerian youth taking the initiative, noting, “The President is dedicated to creating an enabling environment. While the challenges are significant, he is striving to enhance our quality of life and reduce unemployment by attracting investors.”
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Minister of Youth Development Jamila Bio-Ibrahim also spoke at the event, highlighting the role of the National Youth Investment Fund in supporting young entrepreneurs in sustainable mobility and transportation ventures. “This fund will provide the financial support necessary for our young innovators to thrive,” she said.
Ekperikpe Ekpo, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), underscored the administration’s commitment to leveraging natural resources for the benefit of the nation. “Today marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s history. This administration is dedicated to the development of all sectors of society. Recently, we allocated 122 billion naira to six investors in the gas sector, showcasing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to harnessing our natural resources for national progress. While challenges persist, we must make sacrifices to rebuild our nation,” he remarked.
Engr. Michael Olugbemi, CEO of the Presidential Initiative on CNG, emphasized the initiative’s potential for job creation and emission reduction. “Exactly one year ago, the President addressed the Nigerian people and made critical promises to improve their lives. One of those commitments was the implementation of the Presidential CNG Initiative, aimed at reducing transportation costs, enhancing our economic well-being by decreasing dependence on PMS, and lowering federal government expenditure on fuel subsidies,” he explained.
“This event marks the fulfillment of those promises. We are here to transfer these tricycles to the Ministry of Youth, enabling our youth to benefit from this significant CNG revolution. These tricycles are not only produced in Nigeria but also assembled locally. Over 50 young people have been trained in the past three weeks to assemble these CNG tricycles, with more training planned.”
Olugbemi added, “Beyond assembly, we anticipate that thousands of youths nationwide will find employment not only in operating these tricycles but also in their maintenance and efficient deployment throughout Nigeria.”
Usman Buba-Gwoza, National President of the National Commercial Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners Association of Nigeria (NACTOMORAS), commended the initiative for its potential to improve livelihoods and support environmental sustainability.