The Adamawa State Government, in collaboration with governments of the six North-East states and P-GAT Industries Limited, has inaugurated 300 electric tricycles in Numan, Adamawa State, as part of efforts to provide affordable transportation and create jobs across the region.
The initiative, implemented under the Affordable Transport Solutions (ATRaS) scheme, aims to reduce the burden of rising transport costs and improve mobility for commuters and businesses.
Speaking during the inauguration, the traditional ruler of the Bata Kingdom, Hama Bata, Humo Gladson Teneke, said the project would create employment opportunities for youths and boost internally generated revenue in Adamawa State and the wider region.
He praised P-GAT Industries Limited for introducing the initiative and commended the governments of the six North-East states for embracing the vision, noting that the programme would strengthen economic cooperation and contribute to tackling insecurity in the zone.
Adamawa State Commissioner for Transport Development, Mrs Wunfe Anthony, described the project as a major step towards making the movement of goods and services easier and more affordable.
According to her, the cost-effectiveness of the electric tricycles will ease transportation expenses for workers and commuters, while ongoing investments in road infrastructure by the state government will ensure the vehicles remain durable and efficient.
Chairman of P-GAT Industries Limited, Engr. Prime Timothy, said the ATRaS initiative was conceived to address the challenge of high transport fares in Nigeria.
He disclosed that the company spent five years planning the project, which is designed to establish an integrated transport system across the North-East region.
Representatives of the six North-East states attended the ATRaS Mobility Transition Summit and the inauguration ceremony in Numan.
Representing Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, Dr Nafisa Tijani of the Borno State Investment Promotion Agency said the state was ready to embrace the scheme, adding that its investment framework enables investors to commence operations within two months.
Also speaking, President of the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria, Engr. Timothy Iwuagwu, expressed confidence in the success of the initiative, noting that the electric tricycles were assembled in Nigeria by locally trained technical personnel.
He stressed the importance of strengthening technical education from primary to tertiary levels, urging Nigerian youths to focus on practical skills and innovation rather than relying solely on academic qualifications.
