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From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja
The rollout of Electric Motor Vehicles (EMVs) under the Kogi Central Constituency Development Programme has resumed following the completion of all regulatory and structural requirements, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has said.
The senator, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, confirmed on Saturday that the programme had earlier been paused to allow for proper institutional and legal frameworks to be put in place, describing the decision as necessary to safeguard transparency and public confidence.
Speaking on the development, Akpoti-Uduaghan explained that the temporary suspension of the initiative, first announced during a town hall meeting in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area, was intended to ensure full compliance with relevant regulations.
“We intentionally paused the rollout to get the structure right. Empowerment must be transparent, accountable, and sustainable. Public trust is not negotiable,” she said.
According to the senator, the pause enabled the formal registration of the EMV management company with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), providing a clear governance structure for the initiative. She added that technicians and electricians were also trained during the period to ensure the effective maintenance and durability of the vehicles.
“This programme is not just about distributing vehicles; it is about building capacity and systems that will last,” she stated.
Akpoti-Uduaghan disclosed that the CAC registration process has now been completed, while registration of the vehicles is ongoing. She noted that the locally assembled electric vehicles will be deployed immediately after the final documentation is concluded, allowing beneficiaries, particularly women and youths, to begin commercial operations.
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She said the EMV initiative is aimed at promoting sustainable livelihoods, reducing transportation costs, and advancing the adoption of clean energy solutions in Kogi Central.
“Our goal is to empower our people with dignity by creating sustainable livelihoods, lowering transportation costs, and preparing Kogi Central for a cleaner, greener future,” the senator said.
To ensure long-term sustainability, Akpoti-Uduaghan also announced the establishment of a trust fund to manage the EMV programme and other constituency assets, including the SNAU Foundation Maternity Centre and modern markets in Okene and Ihima.
“Structure ensures sustainability, and accountability guarantees equitable benefits for all,” she added.
Meanwhile, the Office of the Kogi Central Senatorial District has announced the commencement of applications for the Electric Motor Vehicle Technical Training Programme under the Operate & Own Model (OOM).
The programme will train 100 eligible indigenes and residents of Kogi Central in the operation and maintenance of electric and solar-powered tricycles. Successful participants will acquire technical and operational skills and have the opportunity to own and operate the vehicles for income generation.
Interested applicants have been advised to follow the application guidelines contained in the officially released information materials.
