NEWS
BIPC Launches Africa’s First Solar-Powered Taxis In Benue)
The Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC) has introduced a new era of clean transportation in Nigeria with the launch of its solar-powered electric taxi service, Green Wheel Taxi, in Makurdi.
At a commissioning ceremony held at BIPC’s corporate headquarters, the Group Managing Director, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, highlighted the importance of the development in the state’s transition to renewable energy and sustainable mobility.
“The commissioning of this electric car is a testament to our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint and promoting eco-friendly transportation,” Dr. Asemakaha stated.
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“Electric vehicles are the future of mobility, and I am thrilled to see this innovative technology being adopted in our community.
These cars represent a significant step towards reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, decreasing air pollution, and mitigating the impacts of climate change.”
He expressed appreciation to Governor Hyacinth Alia and the entire project team for their role in making the project a reality.
“Your dedication and expertise have made this possible, and we are proud to be among the pioneers in embracing this technology,” he added.
Acknowledging the project’s partners, Dr. Asemakaha praised Esse Mobility for their technical contributions.
He assured that the initiative would not only promote environmental sustainability but also “reduce unemployment and increase our State GDP.”
Representing the project’s technical partners, Mr. Okey Esse, CEO of Esse Mobility, described the venture as a groundbreaking feat, noting its uniqueness on the continent.
“This is a one-of-a-kind, first solar taxi anywhere in Africa,” he said. “I thank BIPC for accepting this project. From now to December, the target is to roll out 500 of these units in Benue State, and we would go to other cities like Otukpo, Vandeikya and other towns to ensure that we extend this technology to other Local Government Areas of the state.”
According to him, the initiative is projected to generate more than 8,500 direct and indirect jobs across Benue between May and December 2025.
He also hinted at plans to establish an assembly plant in the state to support further expansion.
The event culminated with the commissioning of the first 10 solar-powered electric taxis, marking the beginning of a transformative transportation model in the region.
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has raised fresh concerns over Nigeria’s security situation following deadly bomb attacks in Maiduguri, warning that terrorism is making a dangerous comeback.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Atiku condemned the coordinated explosions that rocked parts of the city, describing them as a troubling sign of renewed insurgent activities.
He noted that the return of suicide bombings, once believed to have been largely defeated, poses a serious threat to national stability.
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23 killed, 108 injured in Maiduguri bomb blasts
The attacks, which occurred on Monday night, targeted the Maiduguri Monday Market, a post office, and an area near the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
At least 23 people were confirmed dead, while over 100 others sustained injuries, leaving families in anguish as they search for missing loved ones.
Reacting to the development, Atiku warned that the resurgence of terrorism could erode public confidence in the government’s ability to protect its citizens.
He stressed that Nigerians are more interested in concrete results than official condemnations of attacks.
While acknowledging the sacrifices of security operatives, the former vice president urged the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently review its security strategies to address the growing threats.
He also criticised the government’s handling of insecurity, alleging that more attention appears to be given to political matters than to tackling the worsening security challenges across the country.
Atiku further cautioned against politicising national security, noting that terrorism affects all Nigerians regardless of political affiliation.
He called for unity, decisive action, and a renewed commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
Meanwhile, security agencies have confirmed the incidents and launched investigations into the coordinated attacks as efforts continue to restore calm in the affected areas.
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has launched a 5-day Hands-on Oracle Primavera P6 Training in Rivers State, targeting 50 participants.
The training, being executed by Mathnebi Nig. Ltd, commenced today, March 16th and will run until Friday, March 20th.
The intensive hands-on program aims to equip participants with practical skills in project management using Oracle Primavera P6, enhancing their capabilities in the energy and construction sectors.
The NCDMB’s sponsorship of the training underscores its commitment to boosting local capacity and driving Nigeria’s economic growth through skills development.
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The training is expected to benefit participants and contribute to the development of Nigeria’s project management landscape.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sworn in Mr. Taiwo Oyedele as Nigeria’s new Minister of State for Finance at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.
The swearing-in ceremony took place shortly after the Senate confirmed Oyedele’s nomination last Wednesday.
Oyedele, 50, from Ikaram, Akoko in Ondo State, brings over two decades of experience in fiscal policy and tax administration.
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He previously chaired the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, which overhauled Nigeria’s tax system, introducing zero income tax for Nigerians earning N800,000 or less and exemptions for small businesses with turnovers below N50 million.
During his Senate screening, Oyedele described his appointment as “a call to serve at a critical time when Nigeria faces significant fiscal challenges and remarkable opportunities.”
He replaces Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, who has been redeployed to the Ministry of Budget and National Planning.
Oyedele also spent 22 years at PricewaterhouseCoopers, held executive programs at top global institutions including the London School of Economics and Harvard Kennedy School, and currently serves as a professor at Babcock University.
The minister’s appointment signals a continued focus on implementing the Tax Reform Acts, which took effect on January 1, 2026, and aim to simplify Nigeria’s tax system while boosting economic growth.
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