No fewer than 100 indigenes of Kogi Central are set to benefit from the resumed rollout of Electric Motor Vehicles (EMVs) initiated by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the lawmaker representing the constituency.
The disclosure was made in a statement on Saturday by her Special Adviser on Media, Mike Idoko.
The senator explained that the programme, initially paused, has now resumed to ensure full compliance with regulatory standards and maintain public confidence.
“The temporary suspension was necessary to put the right institutional and legal frameworks in place. Empowerment must be transparent, accountable, and sustainable. Public trust is not negotiable,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said.
During the pause, the EMV management company was formally registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), and electricians and technicians were trained to ensure proper maintenance and long-term functionality of the vehicles.
The senator confirmed that CAC registration has been completed and vehicle registration is ongoing.
Once documentation is finalized, the locally assembled electric vehicles will be deployed to beneficiaries, especially women and youths, for commercial use.
“Our goal is to empower our people with dignity, create sustainable livelihoods, reduce transportation costs, and prepare Kogi Central for a cleaner, greener future,” she added.
Akpoti-Uduaghan described the EMV initiative as a landmark intervention combining economic empowerment with environmental responsibility.
She also announced the establishment of a Trust Fund to oversee the EMV programme alongside other constituency assets, including the SNAU Foundation Maternity Centre and modern markets in Okene and Ihima.
Applications have also commenced for the Electric Motor Vehicle Technical Training Programme under the Operate & Own Model.
The programme will train 100 eligible residents in operating and maintaining electric and solar-powered tricycles. Successful participants will gain technical skills and opportunities to own and operate the vehicles for sustainable income generation.
“This is empowerment with purpose—creating jobs, promoting innovation, and equipping our people to thrive,” Akpoti-Uduaghan concluded.
