By Pet Nathan, Yola
The National President of the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON), Timothy Iwuagwu, has urged both local and foreign investors not to be discouraged by perceptions of insecurity in North-East Nigeria, insisting that the region remains open for business and investment.
Speaking during the launch of a new electric tricycle transportation initiative in Numan, Adamawa State, Iwuagwu said his visit to the North-East had given him firsthand experience of the prevailing realities, which he noted differ from the negative impressions often portrayed in the media.
“I have come here myself, and I can testify as a witness. I did not read it in the newspapers. People live here, they work here, and they use the same amenities available in other parts of the country.
If investors have goods and services to provide, they should come and invest in the North-East,” he said.
He acknowledged that security challenges exist but stressed that no part of Nigeria should be abandoned because of the actions of criminal elements.
According to him, government, institutions, and citizens must continue to support economic activities capable of creating jobs and improving livelihoods, noting that investment remains one of the strongest tools for restoring stability and development in the region.
The safety expert also disclosed that operators of the electric tricycles would be trained and sensitised to prevent the misuse of the vehicles for criminal activities, adding that safety and security must go hand in hand.
Describing the electric tricycle initiative as a major opportunity for employment generation and economic empowerment, he said the success of the programme would depend largely on strict adherence to safety standards.
He recommended compulsory safety training for all beneficiaries before they begin operating the electric tricycles, explaining that electric mobility presents unique safety challenges different from those associated with conventional petrol-powered vehicles.
Iwuagwu further stated that operators must be trained on battery charging procedures, electrical systems, equipment handling, and emergency response, adding that regular refresher training should also be introduced.
He also called for the revival of technical education across Nigeria, noting that countries which have made remarkable technological progress invested heavily in technical education rather than focusing solely on academic qualifications.
“It is what you can do that determines who you are, not the certificate you possess,” he said, urging governments to prioritise skills acquisition as a pathway to industrialisation and national development.
He expressed confidence that stronger collaboration between government and the private sector would boost economic growth, create more employment opportunities, and enhance safe, affordable transportation across the North-East.
Meanwhile, P-GAT Industries Limited, under its Affordable Transport Solution (ATRaS) initiative, has launched 300 electric tricycles for commercial transportation in Adamawa State, in collaboration with governments of six North-East states.
The tricycles will initially operate in Yola and Numan at fares said to be about half of current commercial rates.
Speaking at the ATRaS Mobility Transition Summit in Numan, the Chairman of P-GAT Industries, Prime Timothy, described the project as a long-term solution to rising transport costs, with plans to expand the initiative across the North-East.
Representatives from the six North-East states attended the launch, with Borno and Taraba indicating readiness to adopt the initiative immediately.