Former President Goodluck Jonathan is set to unveil two locally assembled tricycle models, VZ150 and VZ200, in Abuja on Wednesday, October 21, according to Zeetin Technologies. The unveiling marks the company's entry into Nigeria's domestic tricycle market, with the vehicles assembled at its manufacturing facility in the Idu Industrial Area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Zeetin Technologies Partners with Indonesian Firm for Production
The tricycles are produced in technical partnership with VIAR Motor Indonesia, a company with over 30 years of experience in three-wheeler engineering. Zeetin Technologies Chairman Azibaola Robert said the initiative aims to lower transportation costs, boost domestic manufacturing, and create employment opportunities.
Robert explained that the tricycles were developed to address the transportation needs of businesses that rely on affordable vehicles to move goods and passengers. The vehicles will serve market traders transporting merchandise, farmers delivering produce to urban markets, artisans moving materials, and distributors handling last-mile deliveries.
“We are producing tricycles here in Nigeria to make it easier and cheaper for Nigeria’s small businesses to move goods and people,” Robert said.
Training and Employment Opportunities
According to Robert, the project's benefits extend beyond vehicle assembly to include skills development, technology transfer, and opportunities for businesses supporting the manufacturing and distribution network. Nigerian technicians have received training at VIAR's manufacturing facility in Semarang, Indonesia, and are now applying their knowledge at the Abuja plant.
The facility is expected to support employment across technical operations, quality control, sales, and after-sales services, while creating opportunities for dealers, repair workshops, and spare-parts traders.
Plans for Local Content and Alternative Energy
Zeetin Technologies intends to gradually increase the Nigerian content of its tricycles by sourcing and manufacturing more components locally. This strategy is expected to create additional business opportunities for indigenous manufacturers and suppliers as production expands.
The company is also planning to introduce compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered and electric tricycles to provide alternative energy options for commercial transport operators.
Abuja as a Manufacturing Hub
Robert described the project as an opportunity to establish Abuja as a manufacturing hub serving transportation needs across northern Nigeria and other parts of the country. The initiative is designed to support the economic activities of traders, farmers, and commuters while strengthening the country's industrial capacity.
The first units assembled at the Abuja facility will be handed over to their owners during Wednesday's unveiling. Robert also explained that the name Zeetin means “for you,” reflecting the company's focus on developing products that support customers' livelihoods.
