Kaduna State government has launched an electric vehicle (EV) initiative to provide workers with affordable and sustainable transportation.
The programme, which includes a tricycle and electric motorcycle loan scheme, was inaugurated at Murtala Muhammed Square by the state’s deputy governor, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, who represented Governor Uba Sani.
The initiative allows state employees to acquire tricycles and electric motorcycles through subsidized loans, with repayments deducted from their salaries.
Speaking at the launch, Deputy Governor Balarabe emphasised government’s commitment to easing transportation challenges for civil servants while promoting eco-friendly mobility.
The project is a collaboration between the Kaduna State Government, the Nigerian Labour Congress, Paynacle Digital Service Limited and Optimus Bank.
It is believed that the initiative would improve workers’ welfare and also contribute to reducing carbon emissions in the state.
As part of efforts to sustain the initiative, Paynacle Digital Services Limited has announced plans to establish EV charging stations and maintenance hubs across Kaduna’s three senatorial districts.
Managing director of Paynacle, Bashir Ibrahim, said the company was committed to ensuring the long-term viability of the project. “In order to ensure the sustainability of the project, we are going to establish charging stations in the three senatorial districts. The electric motorcycles that will be available for the workers are 10,000,” he said.
He noted that the infrastructure would create over 2,000 direct and indirect jobs in motorcycle assembling, maintenance and technical support adding that Paynacle would offer civil servants a 50 percent discount on charging costs to make the initiative more affordable.
Governor Sani and his deputy were commended for making Kaduna the first state to implement a large-scale electric mobility project for workers.
Officials said the initiative aligns with broader government efforts to improve transportation, create jobs and promote cleaner energy use in Kaduna State.
