The rollout of the Electric Motor Vehicles (EMVs) under the Kogi Central Constituency Development Programme has resumed following the completion of key regulatory and structural requirements, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has confirmed.
Speaking on the programme, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan explained that the earlier pause in the implementation announced during a recent town hall meeting in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State was deliberate and necessary to ensure full compliance with regulatory standards and the protection of public trust.
"We intentionally paused the rollout to get the structure right. Empowerment must be transparent, accountable, and sustainable. Public trust is not negotiable," the Senator said.
She disclosed that the pause allowed for the formal registration of the EMV management company with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), ensuring transparent and responsible oversight of the initiative. In addition, electricians and technicians were given comprehensive training to guarantee effective maintenance and long-term functionality of the vehicles.
Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlines
"This programme is not just about distributing vehicles; it is about building capacity and systems that will last," she added.
According to the Kogi Central Senator, the CAC registration process has now been successfully completed, while vehicle registrations were progressing steadily. She noted that once the final registration processes were concluded, the locally assembled electric vehicles will be deployed without delay, enabling beneficiaries, particularly women and youths, to commence commercial operations as originally planned.
"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," Senator Natasha stated.
She described the EMV initiative as a landmark programme that aligns economic empowerment with environmental responsibility through the adoption of clean and renewable energy solutions.
To ensure long-term sustainability and effective management, the Senator revealed that a newly registered Trust Fund has been established to oversee the EMV programme alongside other key constituency assets, including the SNAU Foundation Maternity Centre and the modern markets in Okene and Ihima.
"Structure ensures sustainability, and accountability guarantees equitable benefits for all. That is the foundation of every intervention we implement," she emphasized.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
Meanwhile, the Constituency Office of the Kogi Central Senatorial District has announced the commencement of applications for the Electric Motor Vehicle Technical Training Programme under the innovative Operate & Own Model (OOM).
The programme is designed to train 100 eligible indigenes and residents of Kogi Central in the operation and maintenance of electric and solar-powered tricycles. Successful participants will acquire hands-on technical and operational skills, with the opportunity to own and operate the eco-friendly vehicles for sustainable income generation and entrepreneurship.
"This is empowerment with purpose, creating jobs, promoting innovation, and giving our people the tools to thrive," Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan said.
Interested applicants have been advised to follow the application process as detailed in the officially released information materials.
