Benue makes history with Nigeria’s inaugural solar taxi fleet

The Benue State Government has introduced a fleet of solar-powered electric vehicles, signaling a significant advancement towards sustainable, economical transportation and substantial employment generation throughout the state.

This initiative, a partnership with Esse Mobility, launched Nigeria’s first commercial solar taxi system, with operations beginning in Makurdi, the state capital.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), additional cities such as Otukpo and Vandeikya are anticipated to participate in the project in the forthcoming months.

During the official launch, Esse Mobility’s founder, Mr. Okey Esse, praised the initiative as a landmark in Nigeria’s shift towards clean energy. He disclosed that each vehicle operates solely on solar energy, with batteries charged directly by sunlight, making them suitable for urban environments.

“These vehicles are outfitted with state-of-the-art security technology to oversee every journey in real-time,” he expressed.

Esse further stated that the objective is to deploy 500 units by December 2025, along with plans to establish vehicle assembly facilities in Benue.

“These facilities are projected to generate at least 8,500 direct and indirect jobs throughout the state, covering maintenance, operations, and charging infrastructure.

“With this initiative, transportation will not be hindered by fuel prices or weather conditions. It is a sustainable, secure, and employment-generating solution for our community,” Esse added.