Akpoti-Uduaghan Secures Full Regulatory Compliance for Electric Vehicles, Trains 100 Beneficiaries

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Electric Motor Vehicles (EMV) initiative under the Kogi Central Constituency Development Programme has been restored to full implementation following the completion of all regulatory and structural requirements, the senator, representing the zone, Mrs. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has announced.

In a statement by her Media Office yesterday, she explained that the temporary suspension of the programme earlier disclosed at a town hall meeting in Ihima, Okehi LGA of the state, was a deliberate step taken to ensure transparency, accountability and long-term sustainability.

She explained that the pause enabled the formal registration of the EMV management company with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), a move aimed at strengthening institutional oversight and safeguarding public confidence in the programme.

According to her, empowerment initiatives must go beyond distribution of assets and be anchored on clear structures and regulatory compliance to guarantee durability and public trust.

The lawmaker disclosed that, in addition to the CAC registration, electricians and technicians involved in the programme have undergone extensive training to ensure proper maintenance and efficient operation of the electric vehicles.

She noted that the regulatory process has now been successfully concluded, while the registration of the vehicles is ongoing. She assured that deployment of the locally assembled electric motor vehicles would commence immediately after the final documentation is completed.

The senator stated that the beneficiaries, particularly women and youths, would soon begin commercial operations as initially planned, stressing that the initiative was designed to promote dignity of labour, reduce transportation costs and create sustainable livelihoods across Kogi Central.

Describing the EMV project as a flagship intervention, Akpoti-Uduaghan said it strategically combines economic empowerment with environmental sustainability by promoting clean and renewable energy solutions.

To further institutionalise the programme, she revealed that a Trust Fund has been established to manage the EMV initiative alongside other constituency assets, including the SNAU Foundation Maternity Centre and the modern markets located in Okene and Ihima.

She said the Trust Fund framework would ensure proper governance, accountability and equitable access to benefits, adding that structured management remains central to the success of all constituency interventions.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Kogi Central Senatorial District has announced the opening of applications for the Electric Motor Vehicle Technical Training Programme under the Operate and Own Model (OOM).

Under the scheme, 100 eligible indigenes and residents of Kogi Central will be trained in the operation and maintenance of electric and solar-powered tricycles.

Successful participants will receive hands-on technical and operational training, with the opportunity to own and operate the eco-friendly vehicles as a source of sustainable income.

The programme is expected to create jobs, promote innovation and deepen local technical capacity in clean energy transportation.