Nigeria took a significant step toward sustainable transportation on March 10 when it launched Africas Largest EV Charging Station in Abuja.
The event, hosted by New Electric Vehicles, also marked the debut of domestically manufactured electric buses and taxis, signalling the country’s ambition to modernize its automotive sector and curb reliance on fossil fuels.
One million electric vehicles
The initiative aligns with the National Automotive Industry Development Plan, which aims to ramp up local vehicle production to one million units annually, achieve 40% local content, and generate 200,000 jobs.
Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, John Uwan-Enoh, emphasized the urgency of this shift, stating, “Electric vehicles are the future, but that future must start today.” He added that the government targets 30% of locally produced vehicles to be electric.
The Abuja launch comes amid broader efforts to decarbonize Nigeria’s transport sector, a key contributor to the nation’s emissions. However, experts note challenges such as high EV costs, limited charging infrastructure, and the need for sustained policy support.
Halilu Khalil, executive vice chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, stressed that the transition to EVs must be paired with investments in renewable energy for long-term sustainability.
Meanwhile, under President Bola Tinubu, the Federal Government is set to roll out a mass electric vehicle transportation program in North-East Nigeria. This follows the Federal Executive Council’s approval of contracts worth nearly $100 million (N151.9 billion) to supply electric vehicles and establish charging infrastructure in the region.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga detailed the contracts in a statement on Sunday, noting that the North East Development Commission will fund the initiative to promote energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.
Among the contracts, Bluecrest Integrated Concept Limited will supply ten 17-seater electric buses within six months for N2.9 billion, while Messrs Mutual Commitment Company Limited and Shanghai Integrated Infrastructure Development will deliver 4,000 and 3,000 e-tricycles, respectively, for a combined N86.8 billion. Sinoma Investment International Limited will also provide 3,000 nine-passenger e-tricycles.
Additionally, HNCEGC will supply 237 Chinese BYD electric vehicles—including Dolphin, Qin Plus, and Yuan Plus models—for N16.3 billion, with KB Laman Motors Nigeria Limited tasked with installing charging points for N8.4 billion.
President Tinubu, who approved the procurement in October 2024, personally inspected samples of the e-vehicles, chargers, and batteries, underscoring his administration’s commitment to the project. The move reflects Nigeria’s broader strategy to integrate electric mobility into its economic and environmental goals, despite the hurdles ahead.
Sources and related
- Channels Television, Africa: FG Set To Deploy 10,000 Electric Vehicles For Transportation In North-East
- TV BRICS: Nigeria inaugurates Africa’s largest electric vehicle charging station
- NewsVoice: Will Partnerships With China and Russia Give Nigeria its First Nuclear Power Plants?
- # Africas Largest EV Charging Station
