ABUJA: The Federal Government has inaugurated the Renewed Hope Mass Transit Electric Bus Programme, with plans to provide 100 electric buses for federal civil servants across the country as part of efforts to reduce transportation costs, improve workers’ welfare and boost productivity.
The programme was formally launched on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at Eagle Square, Abuja, by the outgoing Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack.
Although the Federal Government approved a fleet of 100 electric buses, 37 buses have so far been delivered as the first batch, with the remaining 63 expected to be deployed in subsequent phases. The full complement is expected to be deployed by December 2026.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a major intervention aimed at addressing the transportation challenges faced by federal civil servants, particularly the financial and physical burden associated with daily commuting.
According to her, transportation has a direct impact on workers’ finances, safety, punctuality and productivity.
She said reliable and affordable transportation would allow civil servants to arrive at work less financially and physically drained, enabling them to perform their duties more effectively.
The Head of Service described the commissioning as her “parting gift” to federal civil servants, coming just a day before the end of her tenure.
“For me, it is a dream come true. This inauguration is providentially my parting gift to my dearly beloved federal civil servants,” Walson-Jack said.
She explained that the buses were acquired through the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, describing the project as evidence of the Federal Government’s commitment to translating its policies into tangible benefits for workers.
Pilot Operations to Begin in Abuja
The Federal Government said the buses will initially operate on selected routes in a pilot phase before the programme is expanded to Federal Secretariats across the country.
A Special Purpose Vehicle has also been established to oversee the management, maintenance and long-term sustainability of the buses. Walson-Jack urged those responsible for the programme to ensure proper maintenance, transparent route management, safety and effective monitoring.
She also urged civil servants to protect the buses as public assets and reciprocate the government’s intervention through improved punctuality, productivity and commitment to duty.
Buses Can Carry Up to 200 Passengers
Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, described the project as more than a transportation initiative, saying it brings together workers’ welfare, productivity, technology and industrial development.
Enoh disclosed that each of the electric buses could accommodate up to 200 passengers and travel a minimum of 200 kilometres on a full charge.
He said the initiative would provide federal workers with safer, more affordable and dignified transportation while reducing the pressure of commuting costs on household incomes.
The minister also linked the programme to the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s automotive industry by encouraging local manufacturers to increase production, deepen local content and develop globally competitive electric mobility solutions.
Government Targets Wider Deployment
The National Automotive Design and Development Council has indicated that the rollout will be implemented in phases, with the complete fleet of 100 electric buses expected to be deployed by December 2026.
The Federal Government says the initiative is expected to not only ease transportation challenges for civil servants but also demonstrate the potential of electric vehicles in Nigeria’s public transportation system.
With the first 37 buses now commissioned, attention will turn to the deployment of the remaining 63 buses and the effectiveness of the pilot routes as the government works towards nationwide implementation.
The initiative forms part of the administration’s broader Renewed Hope agenda aimed at improving workers’ welfare while supporting cleaner and more sustainable transportation in Nigeria.
