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The Presidency described the launch of 1,000 electric vehicles under the ProTaxi e-hailing platform in Abuja as an example of how private sector investment can support Nigeria’s transition to cleaner and more sustainable transport.
Prince Adetokunbo Ademola Ade-John, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Transport and Mobility, made the statement on Thursday at the official launch of ProTaxi in Abuja.
Ade-John said the initiative was relevant to the Federal Government’s transport policy, particularly its efforts to expand the use of electric and compressed natural gas powered vehicles.
“Okay. We have a New Hope Agenda mission. But this really shows and practically exudes our mission,” he said.
He noted that the Federal Government has been working to deploy electric buses and CNG-powered vehicles, and added that private sector initiatives show how such policies can be translated into operational transport services.
“In line with this agenda, there is the distribution of electric buses, CNG. But this alone shows, sir, you are not just a governor of the masses. You are not just an ordinary person, but you have shown love for the ordinary people of Nigeria,” said Ade-John.
The president’s aide praised the investment made by Promiseland Innovation’s Chief Executive Officer, Amb. Emmanuel Lawrence Oloche, while encouraging the company to sustain and develop this initiative.
“I am proud of you as a personal friend, as a brother, as an ambassador of Nigerian goodwill. Keep going, sir,” he said.
Ade-John also said projects like ProTaxi could contribute to local capacity development and provide a practical reference point for future transport initiatives.
“And I also encourage us all, this is not just an investment, you have taught future generations. Future generations will also see the legacy you left behind,” he said.
He stressed that the adoption of electric vehicles represents an operational implementation of emerging transportation policies, not just a policy proposal.
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“Okay, we have an initiative, but this is purely practical. I saw some of these buses, and some of these taxis on display,” said Ade-John.
Ade-John revealed that he would communicate details of the ProTaxi initiative to relevant officials and agencies in the Federal Government for consideration within the broader transport policy framework.
“I conveyed it to you, I conveyed your message to the presidency. I will take you, even when I speak to you, I will brief the Chief of Staff to the President. I will notify the Secretary of the Federal Government of the Federation. I will notify all the relevant agencies,” he said.
He said he would also draw the attention of presidential aides in charge of the CNG and electric bus initiatives to the project.
“I will inform the domestic SA to the president who is also in charge of CNG and electric buses for the federation,” he said.
Ade-John further used the launch to encourage greater participation from Nigerian entrepreneurs in developing solutions to the country’s transportation challenges.
“And I call out, if a single person can do this with his personal resources, we don’t need outside investors. You are sons of the soil,” he said.
He expressed confidence that this initiative would attract the attention of President Bola Tinubu as it was in line with the government’s transport objectives.
“I am very sure that Mr President will be very, very happy with this initiative because this is the effort he wants to make,” said Ade-John.
He added that the Federal Government was undertaking broader transport interventions across the country.
Speaking about the rationale behind ProTaxi, Oloche said Promiseland Innovation seeks to use technology and transportation services to address economic and livelihood challenges.
“That question is what underlies the birth of Promiseland Innovation,” said Oloche.
He said the organization’s approach is based on the belief that access to the right tools and opportunities can influence a community’s economic conditions.
“We believe that circumstances should not determine fate.
“We believe that when you give people the right tools, the right opportunities and the right environment, their lives can change,” he said.
Oloche said ProTaxi was designed as an e-hailing platform with an emphasis on electric mobility and employment opportunities.
“Today we introduce ProTaxi which is not just an e-hailing application, but a platform that creates opportunities and changes destiny,” he said.
He said the economic impact of these platforms is not only limited to drivers, but also the households that depend on their income.
“Every time a passenger takes a ProTaxi, there is a driver behind the wheel.
“And behind the wheel, you have the driver with the family,” he said.
According to Oloche, income from driving can contribute to meeting household expenses such as education and housing.
“This means that for every trip booked, there is a child’s school fee paid, and house rent paid.
“And dreams come true to build a better future,” he said.
He said the company aimed to create opportunities for a large number of drivers, arguing that jobs generated through the platform could have a wider socio-economic impact.
“We believe that when we create opportunities for thousands of drivers, we are not looking out for families, but we are reshaping communities,” Oloche said.
Oloche said his company’s ambitions go beyond the Nigerian market, with plans to develop an African technology company capable of competing internationally.
“Our mission is to build African technology companies that will change everyday lives and ultimately compete with the best in the world,” he said.
He said the launch of ProTaxi was part of the company’s broader strategy to apply technology to economic and social challenges.
“The future is not what you wait for. The future is what you work for every day,” he said.
Oloche added that ProTaxi is intended to provide Nigerians with another transportation option while creating income opportunities for participating drivers.
“ProTaxi for me is another vision that is being realized, a vision to provide opportunities for families to earn income, to provide opportunities for families to earn a living,” he said.
He said the initiative is expected to create opportunities for thousands of families as the platform grows.
Also speaking, Gift Emmanuel, Executive Director, Promiseland Estate, said the project is focused on expanding access to transport and economic opportunities.
“His vision was to help society at large. And, at least, he is here in Abuja now, and we will move to other states to help others too,” he said.
