The federal government through the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) has launched the 10,000 Women in Mobility initiative at Eagle Square, Abuja, marking one of Nigeria’s biggest single-day asset distributions for women, with 300 tricycles handed over to female beneficiaries at the national launch.
The programme is designed to empower 10,000 women across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones by providing access to mobility assets and a sustainable consumer credit structure. Beneficiaries are expected to participate actively in transport, logistics, delivery services and other mobility-driven livelihoods, using the assets to build stable income streams.
Officials described the initiative as a programme that goes beyond policy conversations and delivers real tools for economic empowerment. The rollout is positioned as an inclusive and practical solution aimed at strengthening livelihoods and expanding economic participation among women nationwide.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of CREDICORP, Engr. Uzoma Nwagba, said consumer credit plays a key role in improving quality of life and access to opportunity. “Consumer credit is about accessing a higher quality of life. Today, 1,000 women begin that journey, riding out with brand-new locally manufactured tricycles under President Tinubu’s vision for nationwide credit access,” he stated.
Also speaking, the Director General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr Joseph Oluweimimo, said the launch signals a major shift in the mobility and automotive space. “Today marks the beginning of transformation in the mobility space. We continue to insist that these tricycles be built to the specification of Nigerian women because inclusivity matters, and it is fitting that the rollout begins with women,” he said.
He explained that mobility should be seen as more than transportation alone. “I believe mobility is more than movement; it is access to income, to opportunity and to sustainable enterprise. By providing women across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones with mobility assets supported by structured consumer credit, this programme directly strengthens participation in transport, logistics, delivery services and other mobility-driven businesses,” he added.
From an automotive development perspective, the NADDC Director General noted that the initiative aligns with national goals on local assembly and industrial growth. He said, “From an automotive development standpoint, this initiative aligns clearly with my focus on local assembly, value-chain growth, and industrial sustainability.”
He further reaffirmed that the 10,000 units required for the programme can be produced locally. According to him, “The 10,000 units needed can and will be assembled here in Nigeria.” He appreciated Engr. Uzoma Nwagba of CREDICORP for driving a credit framework that empowers women and strengthens grassroots mobility enterprises.
He also commended the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, for her leadership and commitment to ensuring women remain fully represented in national development initiatives.
In her remarks, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim shared a personal story to highlight the impact of small but targeted support. “After years of supporting a senior relative through small and occasional handouts, she once approached me with a simple request: a modest contribution to begin rice farming,” she said.
She explained that the support led to wider transformation. “With that minimal support, she expanded her farm, strengthened her household, and uplifted the people in her community. The story of her progress reflect a profound sense of pride, dignity, and renewed hope,” the minister stated.
She said such stories explain the purpose of the initiative. “Stories like this remind me of why we are here today. Behind every program, behind every policy, and behind every intervention, there’s a woman with a story waiting to be transformed,” she said.
Also speaking at the launch, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, H.E. Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, described the initiative as a direct job creation tool. “This program is unlocking livelihoods, 100%. Not just distributing, but putting food on our tables. I’m especially encouraged by the focus on women,” she said.
She added that the programme goes beyond social intervention. “This is not just social policy, it is mass economic policy. As a ministry, our responsibility is to ensure that jobs created are decent and fairly rewarded,” she said.
All mobility assets showcased at the event were assembled in Nigeria, and NADDC expressed confidence that local manufacturers and assemblers are prepared to scale production. Government leaders and private-sector stakeholders attended the national launch. CREDICORP partners present included Gamma Mobility, Subcity, TVS Motor Company, Bajaj Keke Nigeria, Accion Microfinance Bank, DAG Industries Nigeria Limited, and Letshego Nigeria. The initiative aligns with national goals on inclusive growth, credit access, and local manufacturing development.
