FG To Launch Local Manufacturing Of Electric Vehicles

The Federal Government, through the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), has launched an initiative to manufacture and assemble electric vehicles locally. This move aims to enhance Nigeria’s automotive sector, starting with a collaboration with a Moroccan firm to drive electric vehicle (EV) production.

Joseph Osanipin, NADDC’s Director-General/CEO, shared this development after attending the Nigeria-Morocco Business Forum. At the forum, Osanipin presented investment opportunities within Nigeria’s automotive industry, emphasizing prospects in local component manufacturing, electric vehicles, EV infrastructure, and gas-powered vehicle development.

As part of the delegation’s activities, they visited Morocco’s National Center for Homologation and engaged with E-move Vehicles Company and Univers Acier Steel. The E-move Vehicles Company specializes in electric motorcycles, tricycles, batteries, and energy storage systems, making it a key partner in advancing Nigeria’s energy transition goals in mobility. Univers Acier Steel, a prominent manufacturer of auto parts, also stands to support local automotive production in Nigeria.

According to Osanipin, this partnership will boost domestic production capabilities, develop technological expertise, and reduce reliance on imported vehicles, contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth and environmental sustainability. He noted, “Local manufacturing of these products will create jobs and support our energy transition objectives in mobility.”

The NADDC delegation also studied Morocco’s regulatory and testing frameworks to understand how Nigerian products could meet standards for both local use and export to Morocco. This includes a tour of Cetiev, the Technology Partner for Automotive Industries, where parts undergo rigorous testing before certification, and CTPC, a facility for plastic testing. These experiences, he said, provide valuable insights for building robust standards and reducing substandard imports in Nigeria’s automotive industry.