On Wednesday, the Ogun State Government launched a total of 2,000 electric motorcycles as part of the state’s e-mobility program.
In an effort to reduce transportation expenses and minimize carbon emissions for a cleaner environment, Governor Dapo Abiodun expressed the program’s objectives during the inaugural phase held at the Arcade Ground, Governor’s Office in Abeokuta.
Governor Abiodun highlighted the significance of the e-mobility initiative in paving the way for a sustainable and eco-friendly future for the state.
He emphasized the administration’s dedication to alleviating the impact of subsidy removal and the soaring diesel fuel prices while simultaneously cutting down transportation costs for the citizens.
Under the first phase, approximately 2,000 e-bikes will be deployed. These electric motorbikes have the capacity to cover 75-80 kilometers on a single charge, with a range of 200 kilometers, resulting in a 40% reduction in transportation expenditures.
The governor also revealed plans for the construction of a new facility named the Giga Facility at the Special Agro Processing Zone in Iperu-Remo, involving a total investment of $40 million. This facility will operate as an assembly plant for electric bikes, two-wheelers, tricycles, commercial buses, electric cars, and swap stations.
By rolling out this investment in three phases, starting with the E-Okada bike assembly in phase one, the project is projected to generate more than 10,000 direct job opportunities and 50,000 indirect job openings for assembly line workers.
Governor Abiodun urged the populace, especially the youth, to engage with the government in a constructive manner rather than resorting to fruitless protests that yield no positive outcomes.
In his address, Minister of Transportation, Sa’idu Alkali, commended Ogun State for pioneering the E-Mobility program, underscoring its connection with other African nations that have integrated over 15,000 e-bikes into their transportation sectors.
Alkali called upon other state governments to emulate Ogun State by collaborating with the federal government in promoting CNG usage and urged the public to support the initiative to stimulate job creation and enhance transportation affordability, efficiency, and eco-friendliness.
The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, who was represented by the Executive Vice President of NNPCL, Mr. Lekan Ogunleye, commended the state for consistently being at the forefront of innovations that benefit the public.
Addressing the attendees, Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Olugbenga Dairo, emphasized that the program launch followed the conversion of CNG buses the previous year, with the primary aim of tackling the surge in transportation fares resulting from subsidy removal.