By Peter Yusuf
In a nation where many state governments struggle to provide basic infrastructure, Kaduna State under the leadership of Governor Uba Sani is taking bold, innovative steps toward sustainable development. The recent inauguration of the Kaduna State Electronic Vehicle (EV) Project is not just a transportation upgrade. At the event which was held at the Murtala Square, Kaduna, Gov. Uba Sani was represented by his Deputy, Dr Hadiza Balarabe. The vehicles were provided through a salary-deductible loan scheme, in collaboration with the Nigerian Labour Congress, Paynacle Digital Services Limited, and Optimus Bank.
With the initiative, the state employees will be able to acquire 10,000 tricycles and electric motorcycles through subsidised loans, with repayments deducted from their salaries. This would ease transportation challenges for civil servants as well as promote eco-friendly mobility. Towards this plan, the state government would also establish EV charging stations and maintenance hubs across the state. It should be noted that out of the 7,000 motorcycles distributed to the civil servants, 4,000 of them are electric bikes.
“This initiative is a testament to our commitment to improving the welfare of our workers,” said Sani.
“We recognize that transportation is a significant challenge for many of our workers, and we are proud to be taking this step to address that challenge. We recognise that transportation costs can be a significant burden for civil servants. It is our hope that these motorcycles will help alleviate that burden, allowing you to come to work early and focus on the tasks at hand. The Civil Service is the engine of Government. Civil servants play a critical role in shaping governance and facilitating the efficient delivery of essential services. Our administration recognizes that massive rural and urban transformations, as well as economic revitalisation, are only possible if driven by a dedicated, skilled and well-motivated workforce.”
Globally, the transportation sector, while essential, is a major contributor to carbon emissions and air pollution. But in Nigeria, with millions of petrol and diesel-powered vehicles spoiling the air quality, the massive introduction of electric vehicles (EVs) by the Sani administration is poised to tackle this environmental challenge head-on. This move aligns with global trends, where nations like China, the U.S., and several European countries are aggressively transitioning to electric vehicles. In this way, Kaduna is setting a precedent, proving that Nigerian states can embrace 21st-century solutions without waiting for the federal government.
However, beyond environmental gains, the EV project has significant economic implications. The introduction of EVs would attract opportunities including the establishment of an EV assembly plant in Kaduna, which will create thousands of jobs ranging from manufacturing to maintenance and charging station operations. In a country grappling with unemployment, especially among the youth, this initiative is a much-needed lifeline.
Additionally, the shift to electric vehicles will reduce the financial burden on commuters. With petrol prices skyrocketing due to subsidy removal, EVs offer a cheaper alternative in the long run.
The Sani-led administration has consistently shown a commitment to leveraging technology for development. And the EV project is part of a broader digital transformation agenda that includes smart city initiatives, improved digital infrastructure, and e-governance solutions. By embracing electric mobility, Kaduna is not just solving today’s problems – it is future-proofing its economy. The governor’s foresight is particularly commendable given Nigeria’s energy challenges. While skeptics may question the feasibility of EVs amid power supply issues, the Managing Director of Paynacle Digital Services, Bashir Ibrahim, said the firm would establish solar-powered EV charging stations and maintenance hubs across the state.
“In order to ensure the sustainability of the project, we are going to establish charging stations in the three senatorial districts,” Ibrahim said, noting that Paynacle would offer civil servants a 50% discount on charging costs to make the initiative more affordable.
“The electric motorcycles that will be available for the workers are 10,000.”.
He added that the initiative would create over 2,000 direct and indirect jobs in motorcycle assembly, maintenance, and technical support. Indeed, Sani’s administration has demonstrated that smart policies can alleviate economic hardship while fostering industrial growth, a scenario many testify to.
“Everything is going as planned,” said Comrade Hashidu Suleiman, Chief of Staff to the Kaduna NLC Chairman, Ayuba Magaji.
“When the state chairman met the governor, he raised concerns about the high cost of transportation affecting workers. The governor was very clear – teachers and health workers in hard-to-reach areas should be prioritized.”
Already, Kaduna residents are plugging into the scheme. According to reports, the Acting State Secretary of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Hassan Ibrahim, announced that the union had purchased 1,000 electric tricycles for its members, payable over two years. And the civil servants have started expressing gratitude.
“This is a great help to me,” said Micha Shabi, a Kaduna State civil servant and a Person with Disability (PWD).
“Before now, I used to spend nothing less than N2,500 to N5,000 daily on transportation for myself and my assistant. With this bike, things will be much easier. In this kind of gathering, to see someone without two eyes benefiting shows Kaduna’s commitment to inclusivity. This deserves commendation.”
The happiness is the same with Hadiza Rabiu, a school teacher, who teaches in a hard-to-reach area of the state.
“For the past 8 to 9 years, Kaduna teachers have suffered,” she said, while dismissing concerns about riding motorcycles as a female.
“But with this collaboration between the Kaduna government, Moure Consult, and Optimus Bank, things are changing. We are in a civilized society, and my work environment requires me to learn how to ride.”
Moure Consult Nigeria Limited is the intermediary between the Kaduna State Government and the NLC, which oversees the distribution of both electric and fuel-powered motorcycles to civil servants. According to Muhammad Yahyah, Head of Operations at Moure Consult Nigeria Limited, applicants were required to obtain and submit forms through the NLC before verification and capturing in the database.
While many Nigerian governors usually focus on short-term populist projects, Governor Sani’s administration in Kaduna is playing the long game. In one swipe, he attracted foreign investment, promoted green energy, stimulated local industries and improved urban living standards. These are moves that, if replicated across the different states, could revolutionize the country’s transportation sector, reduce its carbon footprint, and create millions of jobs.
Sani’s Kaduna EV project is more than just a policy, it is a visionary move. This initiative deserves widespread commendation and serves as a model for other Nigerian states. It shows that Nigerian leaders can think beyond the usual road constructions and political rhetoric to deliver innovative and impactful governance.
While challenges remain, including ensuring affordability and scaling infrastructure, the foundation has been laid for a cleaner, smarter, and more prosperous Kaduna. Other governors should take note. This is what progressive leadership looks like. Kaduna is moving, and Nigeria should follow. Kudos to Sani for daring to lead the charge into the future.