Federal Government to Distribute 2,000 CNG-Powered Tricycles to Youths

In a move to empower Nigerian youths and promote eco-friendly transportation, the Federal Government has announced the distribution of 2,000 compressed natural gas (CNG) powered tricycles. This initiative, a collaboration between the Ministry of Youth Development and the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNGi), marks Nigeria’s 64th Independence celebration and will support young people working in the informal transportation sector.

The Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, made this announcement during a press briefing on Friday, calling on Nigerians to remain hopeful about the government’s Renewed Hope agenda. He assured the public that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision for youth empowerment, stating that “better days lie ahead.”

The tricycle empowerment program, set to launch on October 1st, will benefit young Nigerians engaged in the transport sector, offering them more economical and environmentally friendly means of livelihood. According to Olawande, CNG-powered tricycles will cut fuel costs for operators by 80%, improving profit margins and reducing transportation costs for passengers.

“This initiative is not reserved for any political group or government insiders,” Olawande stressed. “It’s for ordinary Nigerians who genuinely need it. We’ve ensured the program benefits those who will gain the most, not relatives of government officials.”

The minister further urged Nigerian youths to embrace the government’s numerous empowerment programs, noting that their involvement is crucial for the country’s progress. He reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to the youth, emphasizing that youth inclusion in governance and employment is central to his administration’s goals.

“President Tinubu has demonstrated his resolve to keep every promise he made to the youth. During his campaign, he committed to prioritizing youth inclusion in governance, and he has done just that. Several young individuals have been appointed to key government positions, including Directors-General and Executive Secretaries,” Olawande added.

The tricycle project is part of a broader effort by the federal government to tackle youth unemployment and boost the economy. Other key initiatives include the recently launched ‘Digital Literacy for All’ (DL4ALL) program, aimed at equipping 30 million young Nigerians with essential digital skills, and the revamped National Youth Investment Fund (NYIF), which now has an initial capital of N110 billion to support young entrepreneurs.

Additionally, Olawande highlighted the establishment of the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA) to help young Nigerians develop relevant skills for the job market and business ventures. He also pointed to the introduction of a Student Loan Scheme, designed to ensure that no Nigerian youth is denied access to quality education due to financial constraints.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Development, Olubunmi Ojo, praised the government’s commitment to addressing youth concerns, stating that President Tinubu’s administration has demonstrated a genuine desire to meet the needs of Nigeria’s young population.

This announcement comes as part of a series of youth-focused programs under the Tinubu administration, aiming to foster economic development, promote environmental sustainability, and ensure equal opportunities for all.