The Federal Government has approved 12 Nigerian universities to begin local design and manufacturing of electric vehicles. Each of the six geopolitical zones will be represented by two universities.
NaijNaira learnt the initiative is part of the “Nigeria First” industrial policy by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and will be supported by the Bank of Industry (BoI) alongside other financial institutions.
Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr. Oluwemimo Osanipin, revealed this during a stakeholders’ event held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom. The meeting was attended by members of the Association of Motor Dealers of Nigeria (AMDON) and the Nigeria Automotive Manufacturers Association (NAMA).
At the event themed Import of Used Cars and Dealership Regulation in Nigeria, Osanipin explained that Nigeria is actively preparing to produce vehicle parts locally and transition towards fully electric, Made-in-Nigeria vehicles.
“They are designing what we call university shuttle buses that are going to be 100 per cent electric,” Osanipin stated. “They are going to be designed in Nigeria. Most of the parts will be sourced locally.”
He stressed that manufacturing vehicle components is essential not just for production, but also to meet after-sales demand. With over 18 million vehicles on Nigerian roads and annual production estimated at 500,000 units, local parts manufacturing has become a key focus.
The government has already started developing infrastructure at several universities to support electric vehicle adoption. Charging stations are under construction at select campuses, with 10 universities targeted in the first phase.
Plastic parts, derived from by-products of petroleum, are among components identified for local production due to their cost advantage. NADDC is working closely with major assemblers to drive this effort.
This move is expected to boost domestic vehicle innovation, empower local engineers, and prepare the ground for full-scale electric mobility in Nigeria.
Article updated 3 weeks ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
