The Chairman of Ikoyi Obalende Local Council Development Area in Lagos State, Fuad Atanda-Lawal, has announced intentions to roll out 200 electric mini-cabs as part of the council’s empowerment program in 2024.
The Times reported that this project, announced during a press event at the council secretariat, is expected to be implemented in two phases by the end of the first quarter of 2024.
The adoption of seven-seater mini-electric cabs serves two purposes: minimizing the impact of fuel subsidy reduction and addressing the rise in transportation expenses.
Atanda-Lawal offered a comprehensive plan for local governance in 2024, which included education, infrastructure, healthcare, and transportation.
He said, “We will introduce our electric vehicles in February. By the first quarter of this year, we will have empowered our people, and we will not stop there. We will also set up 10 charging stations. This year, we will enable members of our community to drive the vehicles on a hired basis.”
Despite the popular impression that local governments are not directly involved in transit, Atanda-Lawal emphasized their importance to the nation’s economic and business fabric.
In line with the Federal Government’s commitment to cleaner and safer energy, the council saw the need to shift to more efficient and sustainable alternatives.
The incoming fleet of electric vehicles, set to arrive in February, is poised to offer subsidised transport within Ikoyi-Obalende and its environs.
Furthermore, the council intends to install ten charging stations across the town to assist vehicle maintenance.
Atanda-Lawal emphasized the necessity of tackling travel expenses and the council’s commitment to empowering the people.
The electric vehicles will be deployed on a hire-purchase basis, giving individuals of the community the opportunity to earn a living and contribute to the local economy.
The Chairman emphasized the long-term nature of their efforts, which goes beyond short-term relief to achieve long-term effect.
In addition to the transportation effort, Lawal highlighted the council’s commitment to helping the elderly and retired through a food bank program.
This holistic approach emphasizes the council’s overarching purpose of prioritizing the well-being of the community.
