Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has officially announced the resumption of the landmark Electric Motor Vehicles (EMV) initiative in Kogi Central, following a strategic pause to secure all necessary regulatory approvals.
EMV Programme Resumes After Strategic Compliance Pause
The rollout, a key part of the Kogi Central Constituency Development Programme, was temporarily halted to ensure all structural and legal frameworks were firmly in place. The senator confirmed this development in a statement issued on Saturday, January 10, 2026.
She explained that the deliberate pause, initially announced at a town hall meeting in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area, was crucial for protecting public trust and guaranteeing the programme's long-term integrity. "We intentionally paused the rollout to get the structure right," Senator Natasha stated. "Empowerment must be transparent, accountable, and sustainable. Public trust is not negotiable."
This period allowed for the formal registration of the EMV management company with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), a move designed to ensure transparent oversight. The senator confirmed that the CAC registration is now complete and vehicle registrations are advancing steadily.
Technical Training Launched for Sustainable Empowerment
Parallel to the administrative processes, a significant capacity-building component has been activated. The Office of the Kogi Central Senatorial District has opened applications for the Electric Motor Vehicle Technical Training Programme.
This training, operating under an innovative Operate and Own Model (OOM), aims to equip 100 eligible indigenes and residents of Kogi Central with hands-on skills. Participants will learn the operation and maintenance of electric and solar-powered tricycles, with a pathway to owning and operating these eco-friendly vehicles for income generation.
"This programme is not just about distributing vehicles; it is about building capacity and systems that will last," the lawmaker emphasised. "This is empowerment with purpose, creating jobs, promoting innovation, and giving our people the tools to thrive."
The training focuses on sustainable empowerment, ensuring beneficiaries, particularly women and youths, can commence commercial operations as planned once the final registration processes are concluded.
Trust Fund Established for Long-Term Oversight
To guarantee the enduring success and accountability of the EMV scheme and other key projects, Senator Natasha has established a newly-registered Trust Fund.
This fund will provide long-term oversight not only for the EMV initiative but also for other constituency assets like the SNAU Foundation Maternity Centre and the modern markets in Okene and Ihima.
"Structure ensures sustainability, and accountability guarantees equitable benefits for all," she noted. "That is the foundation of every intervention we implement."
The senator framed the entire EMV project as a dual-purpose intervention aligning economic upliftment with environmental stewardship. "Our goal is to empower our people with dignity by creating sustainable livelihoods, lowering transportation costs, and preparing Kogi Central for a cleaner, greener future," Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan concluded.
