The Nigerian government has acquired domestically produced electric vehicles (EVs) along with its charging infrastructure from Jet Motors, a mobility technology firm in Nigeria. This action was implemented through the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), and could be a precursor to the future of conventional mobility in the country. According to Jelani Aliyu, director general of NADDC, the government, in collaboration with local automobile manufacturers and key players, is planning to implement an initiative to increase the production of Electric Vehicles. Aliyu made these remarks in Abuja, after the debut of two electric vehicles from Jet Motors.
He disclosed that over the next two weeks, the NADDC will assent to the Electric Vehicle Development Plan, which includes a variety of financial and non-financial incentives and other programmes including mechanics’ training to encourage domestic assembly of EV’s. While the plan includes a timeline, percentages, and milestones, the DG emphasized that the end goal is for Nigeria to be zero-carbon by 2060. We’re looking at a phased rise in the country’s multiple electric car production facilities, with an aim of at least 30 percent domestic manufacture of electric vehicles, he added.
Now is the time to thrive on electric vehicles.
Also, the federal, state, and local governments, as well as businesses tasked with the implementation of government contracts, should all be required to purchase and promote EVs. The DG explains that the council is thrilled with the electric van’s progress to this point and will keep providing it with the resources it requires to thrive. This development is more significant than ever to find sustainable and low-cost mobility alternatives, especially at a time when the country is experiencing rising prices of fuel and diesel.
According to him, developing in this manner was essential to prioritize creating a truly indigenous vehicle built mainly from both locally sourced materials and intellectual property. A car built specifically for Nigeria’s rough terrain and climate. These vehicles will provide a more economical means of transportation. While adding that now is the time to thrive on electric vehicles, the DG of NADDC said the organization would assure support for mass production in Nigeria so as to enable all residents to benefit from the development.
EV’s are a viable and long-term investment alternative.
Aliyu also pointed out that Nigeria is well endowed with renewable energy and natural resources needed for powering EVs, such as lithium for batteries and petrochemicals for making the composites used in the vehicles. He expressed hope that AfCFTA would provide greater market access for locally produced automobiles. The DG added that the NADDC, in partnership with the private sector, will ensure the rollout of charging points across motorways and road networks. Chief Operating Officer of Jet Motors Oluwemimo Osanipin spoke on the subject noting that electric vehicles are the present and future wave of mobility in Nigeria.
Osanipin argued that EV’s are a viable and long-term investment alternative due to their cheap maintenance costs, lack of service needs, and positive impact on the environment. He pointed out that while the price mark is greater up front, it ends up being more cost-effective to utilize over time. The supplementary funds spent on the vehicle will be recovered within two years. While maintaining a conventional commercial bus that travels 260 kilometers per day would cost about N1.5 million in fuel and maintenance, there are no such expenses associated with EVs.
Investment would occur if the government provide incentives.
While acknowledging that energy supply is a pressing concern, Jet Motors’ CEO said that the company is in discussions with key players about making investments in the energy industry, even if it will source from the national grid. He elaborated on how investment in energy and charging stations would occur if the government provide incentives. Osanipin added that Jet Motors is already engaging in discussions with the governments of at least six states, and that more states would have access to electric vehicles over a period of months.
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