Cargo carrying tricycles, also known as keke napep or simply keke, have become a ubiquitous sight on the roads of many Nigerian cities in recent years. These three-wheeled vehicles, which are essentially motorized rickshaws, have proven to be an affordable and convenient mode of transportation for millions of Nigerians. However, there is another potential use for these tricycles that has yet to be fully explored in Nigeria: as a means of last mile delivery of goods and cargo to their final destination.

In many countries around the world, cargo tricycles are commonly used for last-mile delivery, particularly in urban areas where larger vehicles are impractical or prohibited. They are often faster and more maneuverable than traditional delivery trucks, and they can access areas that are inaccessible to larger vehicles, such as narrow streets or congested urban centers.

In Nigeria, where the informal sector accounts for a significant portion of the economy, cargo tricycles could provide a cost-effective and efficient means of transporting goods for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Many of these businesses operate in the informal economy and lack the resources to invest in larger delivery vehicles or hire logistics companies to handle their transportation needs. Cargo tricycles could provide a solution that is both affordable and flexible.

One potential use case for cargo tricycles in Nigeria is for e-commerce deliveries. Online shopping has grown rapidly in Nigeria in recent years, particularly in urban areas, but many e-commerce companies struggle with the last-mile delivery of their goods. Delivery trucks are often unable to navigate the narrow streets and congested areas of cities. Motorbikes, which are commonly used for last-mile delivery, have limited capacity for larger items. Cargo tricycles, on the other hand, could provide a more efficient and flexible means of delivering goods to customers.

Another potential use case is for transporting agricultural goods, particularly in rural areas. Many small-scale farmers in Nigeria struggle to transport their produce to market, which can result in spoilage and lower prices for their crops. Cargo tricycles could provide a means of transporting these goods more efficiently and affordably, helping farmers to increase their income and improving their livelihoods.

Introducing cargo tricycles to Nigeria would not be without its challenges, however. One of the main obstacles would be the lack of infrastructure to support their use. Many Nigerian roads are poorly maintained, and there is often a lack of designated bike lanes or other infrastructure to support the safe and efficient use of tricycles for cargo transport. Additionally, there are regulatory hurdles to overcome, as cargo tricycles may not be recognized as a separate category of vehicle under Nigerian law.

Another challenge would be the need to build awareness among potential users of the benefits of cargo tricycles. Many SMEs may not be aware of the potential cost savings and efficiencies that cargo tricycles could provide, and may be hesitant to invest in a new mode of transport without first seeing a proven track record of success.

Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of introducing cargo tricycles to Nigeria are significant. They could provide a cost-effective and flexible means of transporting goods for SMEs, helping to increase their competitiveness and improve their profitability. They could also help to reduce traffic congestion in cities and provide a more environmentally friendly mode of transportation.

To realize these benefits, a concerted effort would be needed from government, the private sector, and civil society to build the necessary infrastructure, provide training and support to potential users, and address regulatory and legal barriers. It would also be important to build awareness among potential users of the benefits of cargo tricycles, and to provide incentives and support to encourage their adoption.

Overall, the introduction of cargo tricycles to Nigeria has the potential to transform the way that goods are transported and delivered in the country, helping to support economic growth.

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