By Abbas Nazil
The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has unveiled a nationwide programme to empower 10,000 Nigerian women and vulnerable populations with electric tricycles for commercial use across the country’s 774 Local Government Areas.
The initiative, announced on February 26, 2026, by the Honourable Minister, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, forms part of the Green Economy Empowerment 774 programme aimed at advancing gender equality, economic inclusion and climate action simultaneously.
At a formal ceremony in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Sparrow Mobility Limited, represented by its Director of Sales, Mr. Adeniyi Ologunleko, to supply eight-seater electric tricycles and hatch-equipped tricycles designed to support rice milling and other small-scale enterprises.
The Ministry stated that the rollout will provide beneficiaries with sustainable income opportunities while promoting environmentally friendly transportation solutions in urban and rural communities.
According to the Minister, the intervention goes beyond mobility support and is structured to generate green jobs, stimulate entrepreneurship and strengthen women’s participation in Nigeria’s economy in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
She noted that the transport sector remains a major contributor to carbon emissions, making the transition to electric mobility a strategic pathway to reducing greenhouse gases and improving air quality nationwide.
The programme aligns with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement and supports the country’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060.
Minister Sulaiman-Ibrahim emphasised that empowering women with sustainable transportation tools will build resilience, enhance productivity and position them as key drivers of community development and climate adaptation efforts.
The Ministry described the partnership as a practical demonstration of the Federal Government’s dedication to mainstreaming gender considerations into environmental and economic policies.
Officials added that by equipping women with clean energy-powered tricycles, the government is fostering inclusive growth while integrating environmental sustainability into national development strategies.
Stakeholders across the public and private sectors were urged to support the initiative to ensure effective implementation and long-term impact.
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to promoting an empowered female workforce, reducing environmental degradation and building a more prosperous and sustainable future for Nigeria.
