Cross River approves purchase of electric vehicles, motorcycles, tricycles to boost green economy

The Cross River State government has affirmed its lead role in the pursuit of green economy and climate change initiatives promotion with the approval for the purchase of electric vehicles (EVs), motorcycles and tricycles to modernise and boost its transport sector in line with Governor Senator Bassey Edet Otu’s commitment to transforming the state.

The development followed the approval for the procurement by the State Executive Council in its recent session presided over by the governor. Speaking shortly after the meeting, Oden Ewa, chairman and CEO, Cross River State Green Economy Commission, disclosed that the state is the eco capital of Nigeria, adding that the nod from the Council is a demonstration of the state’s strategic steps towards achieving its green economy vision.

He further noted that if any state is to achieve a Netzero GreenHouse Gases target in 2060 in Nigeria, it certainly will be Cross River.

According to Ewa, who is also the Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, the sector-wide approach to green economy will ensure sectoral development aspirations are in line with the state’s green economy vision in such areas as transportation, power, agriculture, and housing.

Read also:Abia to partner COSCHARIS in electric vehicles for transportation

‘‘By integrating sustainable practices in power, agriculture, transportation, housing, industry, trade, and investment, the state aims to transition to an environmentally friendly and resilient economy,’’ said Ewa.

The Commissioner further disclosed that by aligning with the e-mobility initiative the state is not only doing so for environmental reasons; reducing fossil fuel usage, but also for economic reasons; reducing operational cost for public transportation.

Ewa also said that this is expected in the long run to bring down the cost of transportation for the people by as much as 50 percent in line with the People’s first Agenda Otu’s administration.

‘‘The approval of the procurement of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Electric Vehicles (EVs) by the Cross River State Executive Council is a significant step towards achieving the state’s green economy vision. This move is expected to not only reduce the state’s carbon footprint but also provide a more efficient and cost-effective mode of transportation for its citizens,’’ noted Ewa.

The benefits of the initiative, according to him, are numerous, especially in the long run. “The state’s commitment to climate action and the promotion of the green economy is evident in its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a more sustainable mode of transportation,’’ he concluded.