BY – Blessing Jonathan
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has revealed plans to introduce Electric Vehicles to help solve the problem of high cost of transportation in the State.
This announcement by the Governor followed his inspection and test-driving of two already produced electric vehicles by Jet Motor Company, situated in the State. The vehicles were brought to the Government House in Asaba, capital of the State, on Thursday, August 3, for the Governor’s approval of its use in the State.
Transportation cost became extremely high across the country, as a result of the fuel subsidy removal by Federal Government since May, 2023.
Upon examining the electric vehicles, Governor Sheriff, filled with contentment and joy, promptly announced the formation of a Committee to initiate the project without delay. Furthermore, he designated Dr. Kingsley Emu, the Secretary to the State Government, to lead the implementation of electric vehicles in Delta State. Dr. Kingsley’s responsibilities include conducting a thorough investigation into the economic viability of these vehicles within Nigeria’s economy, along with ensuring their long-term sustainability.
“This is the first time I have the opportunity to drive electric vehicles and you can see that it’s smooth, noiseless and comfortable, and with the way the price of fuel is going up electric vehicles are better at this time because everybody is trying to move away from fuel to save cost.”
He mentioned that the electric vehicles (E.V) are more affordable; however, they are currently in the process of studying this particular model.
“The Electric vehicles (E.V) are cheaper; the only thing is that we are still studying this model and we are coming out with our own decision very shortly, to know whether to go in that direction, especially with the present hike in petrol price.
“Everybody is trying to go in that direction. It will also be economical and the good thing about this is that I am putting together a team headed by the Secretary to the State Government, to understudy this and see if it is something the state can do to support the transporters and reduce cost of transportation,” Gov. Sheriff said.
Sheriff would be the first Governor, in the history of Nigeria’s economy to invest in electric vehicles and further introducing it to his residents.