P-GAT, Adamawa Unveils 300 Electric Tricycles, Promises Cheaper Commuting

Hanny Henry

Residents of Adamawa State are set to enjoy cheaper and more sustainable transportation following the launch of 300 electric tricycles under the Affordable Transport Solution (ATRaS) initiative.

The electric tricycles were commissioned on Saturday at the Pwanobato International Event Centre in Numan Local Government Area during the ATRaS Mobility Transition Summit, which attracted government representatives and stakeholders from the six North-East states.

The tricycles will be deployed for commercial operations in Yola, the state capital, and parts of Numan Local Government Area. Under the scheme, passengers are expected to pay about half the fares currently charged by conventional commercial tricycles.

The initiative is a partnership between the Adamawa State Government and P-GAT Industries Limited aimed at reducing transportation costs while promoting environmentally friendly mobility solutions.

Speaking at the summit, Wunfe Brina, the Commissioner for Transport Development, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Alhaji Hammidu Njidda, emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between government and the private sector to drive sustainable transportation and economic development.

She noted that government has a responsibility to create an enabling environment through inclusive policies, investments in transport infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks that encourage innovation and participation, while the private sector must serve as a catalyst for inclusive growth.

“The administration of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has demonstrated a strong commitment to transforming both urban and rural transportation systems. The focus on environmentally friendly solutions, including electric mobility, is a step in the right direction,” she said.

In his remarks, Prime Timothy, the Chairman of P-GAT Industries Limited, described the ATRaS initiative as a practical response to rising transportation costs across Nigeria.

According to him, the ATRaS ecosystem represents a bold, long-term transportation strategy designed to expand access to affordable mobility while empowering women and youths through economic opportunities.

He disclosed that the company spent the last five years developing the initiative, which is intended to provide an integrated transportation system across the six states of the North-East in its initial phase.

Timothy added that the deployment of electric-powered tricycles would not only reduce commuting costs but also create employment opportunities and support the transition to cleaner energy alternatives.

The summit attracted representatives from all six North-East states, reflecting growing regional interest in the project.

Officials from Taraba and Borno states, in separate goodwill messages, pledged support for the ATRaS initiative and expressed readiness to explore its implementation in their respective states.

Representing Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, Nafisa Tijani of the Borno State Investment Promotion Agency said the state had established a favourable investment climate that enables businesses to commence operations within two months of initiating licensing and regulatory processes.

She expressed confidence that the enabling environment would support the successful adoption of the affordable transport scheme in Borno State.

Also speaking at the event, Timothy Iwuagwu, the National President of the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria, expressed optimism about the project’s success, noting that improved security across the North-East would encourage investment and facilitate the growth of innovative transport solutions.

He also described the ATRaS initiative as a major step towards making transportation more affordable, accessible and environmentally sustainable for residents of Adamawa State and the wider North-East region.