Nigeria Positions to Become Africa’s Premier Electric Vehicle Manufacturer
In a landmark move for continental industrialization, the Federal Government of Nigeria has taken a decisive step toward establishing the first dedicated Electric Vehicle (EV) manufacturing plant in Africa. This initiative, realized through a strategic Memorandum of Understanding with South Korea’s Asia Economic Development Committee (AEDC), signals a major shift in Nigeria’s industrial and energy policy. The agreement, signed on January 30, 2025, by Senator John Enoh, the Minister of State for Industry, encompasses not only vehicle production but also the nationwide development of critical charging infrastructure.
The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) confirmed that this partnership is a direct implementation of Nigeria’s National Energy Transition Plan and National Automotive Industry Development Plan. The project is designed for phased execution, beginning with vehicle assembly and progressively expanding into full-scale local manufacturing. Upon completion, the facility is projected to have an annual capacity of 300,000 vehicles and is expected to create approximately 10,000 new jobs, a significant boost akin to the impact of a major financial institution’s performance, such as the Stanbic IBTC 2025 pre-tax profit announcement.
Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, Director-General of the NADDC, emphasized the broader strategic benefits. Represented by the council’s Head of Policy, Planning and Statistics, Mr. Nura Sidi, he stated the initiative will accelerate technology transfer, foster investment promotion, and drive research and innovation. This effort is foundational to building a sustainable automotive ecosystem that supports local manufacturing, green energy adoption, and global competitiveness, a vision as clear as a Lagos moves seize property order in its intent.
This development follows years of growing interest in electric mobility within Nigeria, despite acknowledged challenges related to infrastructure. Previous government efforts, including a 2021 project team formed by the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology and a 2022 MoU signed by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure with foreign partners, have paved the way for this current, comprehensive agreement. The commitment to this project underscores a long-term national strategy, drawing a parallel to the enduring focus seen in discussions around the 2027 presidency: my administration type of political planning.
