In a bold stride toward sustainable transportation and economic empowerment, Benue State has introduced a fleet of solar-powered electric taxis. This pioneering project, developed in collaboration with Esse Mobility, is set to revolutionize public transport and stimulate job growth across the state.
The initial phase of the rollout began in Makurdi, the state capital, with plans to extend operations to other major towns like Otukpo and Vandeikya over the coming months. The vehicles, powered entirely by solar energy, are equipped with modern tracking systems to ensure passenger safety and enhance operational transparency.
Mr. Okey Esse, founder of Esse Mobility Technical Partners, highlighted the significance of the launch, describing it as a key step in Nigeria’s transition to clean energy. He noted that the solar-powered vehicles are not only environmentally friendly but also cost-efficient, making them ideal for urban use.
“These units are designed with advanced surveillance systems,” Mr. Esse said. “Every trip can be monitored in real-time, which improves both safety and accountability. We aim to deploy 500 vehicles by the end of the year, reaching additional towns and creating job opportunities across multiple sectors—drivers, charging stations, and logistics.”
The broader plan includes establishing vehicle assembly plants in Benue, a move expected to open thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities. Mr. Esse projected that the initiative could generate at least 8,500 jobs before year’s end.
The Benue State Government welcomed the development with optimism. Mr. Raymond Asemakaha, Managing Director of Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC), praised the partnership as a forward-thinking investment in the state’s economic and environmental future.
“Electric mobility is no longer the future—it is the now,” Mr. Asemakaha said. “This initiative will not only reduce fossil fuel dependency and emissions but also contribute significantly to our GDP by tackling unemployment head-on.”
Echoing this sentiment, BIPC’s Head of Business Development and Strategy, Mrs. Theresa Abeda, remarked that the electric taxi scheme will drastically reshape how people commute within Benue’s urban centers.
As Benue steps into the era of green transportation, this initiative stands as a testament to what’s possible when innovation meets commitment to sustainability.
