Governor Peter Mbah has launched the 042 Ride Taxi Youth Empowerment Scheme, a new programme aimed at helping young people in Enugu State build businesses in the transport sector.
The scheme, introduced by the Enugu State Government through the Ministry of Transport, is designed to provide qualified youths with access to brand-new CNG-powered taxis and financing support to start and run their own transport businesses.
The program is open to young men and women living in Enugu State who possess a valid Class D or Class E driver’s license, have good character, and are willing to establish a transport business.
Under the initiative, successful applicants will receive modern MG5 CNG taxis, flexible financing plans, insurance coverage, and maintenance support. Participants will also operate within a regulated transport network established by the state government.
The government said the scheme is part of efforts to create jobs, promote entrepreneurship among young people, and improve public transportation services across the state.
Mbah also stated that the initiative would support extending public transport services beyond 9 p.m. This makes travel safer, more reliable, and more convenient for residents.
Interested applicants have been directed to obtain and complete Expression of Interest forms. This is available at branches of Umuchinemere Procredit Microfinance Bank (UPMFB). Applicants will also be required to submit guarantors’ forms. Then they are to undergo a screening and pre-qualification process before successful candidates are selected.
Those who scale through the process will receive their vehicles and begin operations under the scheme.
The government described the programme as another step towards youth empowerment, economic growth, and improved mobility in Enugu State. This is the latest addition to Enugu’s transport sector by the Mbah administration.
The administration has previously launched a BRT bus line alongside five new parks in major cities across the state. This is to support Enugu’s Mass Transit scheme as outlined in the Mbah administration’s manifesto.
Enugu is mostly populated by youths, courtesy of the state’s higher institutions. The 042 ride Taxi Scheme is another means of employment for youth, contributing to the state’s local economy.
