Benue goes green, receives 20 electric cars for taxi service

The Benue Investment and Property Company Limited, BIPC, has taken delivery of 20 electric and solar-powered vehicles to commence its modern, eco-friendly taxi service across Makurdi, Gboko, and Otukpo.

Speaking during the handover, BIPC Managing Director Raymond Asemakaha, stated that the initiative is intended to reduce transportation costs, provide greater value for residents, and create employment opportunities for local youth.

He revealed that the company is aiming for a fleet of 100 electric vehicles for the Green Wheels taxi service.

“This initiative aims to provide efficient and cost-effective transportation, create jobs for local youth, and offer citizens better value for their money by reducing emissions and contributing to a cleaner environment.

“The cars are zero-emission cars and are eco-friendly, have a control system and a geofencing technology that can show the location and an in-built CCTV to track movement, monitor and ensure security of passengers.

“We are going to have an assembling and charging plant at our BIPC mergemax (CNG/Petrol Station) beside the head office.

“All the parts are going to be there for regular and routine maintenance, and a single charge is going to cover 500 kilometres,”; Asemakaha said.

To ensure convenience and round-the-clock access, a mobile app is currently under development, allowing passengers to book rides seamlessly.

Expressing concern over the rising cost of transport in Makurdi, Asemakaha described the Green Wheels project as a strategic intervention by the state government to ease the financial strain on commuters.

He characterised the initiative as a significant step towards sustainable mobility in Benue State, in alignment with the government’s vision of inclusive governance and an improved quality of life for all residents.