In a bold move to position Nigeria on the global electric vehicle (EV) map, the federal government has selected 12 universities—two from each geopolitical zone—to design and manufacture 100% made-in-Nigeria electric vehicles. The project is part of President Bola Tinubu’s First Nigeria policy, with financing support from the Bank of Industry and other key financial institutions.
Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr. Oluwemimo Osanipin, made this announcement in Uyo during a stakeholder engagement session with the Association of Motor Dealers of Nigeria (AMDON) and the Nigerian Automotive Manufacturers Association (NAMA). He emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to EV development and local component production as a pathway to industrial self-reliance.
According to Osanipin, these universities are already working on a prototype dubbed the “University Shuttle Bus”—a fully electric vehicle designed and manufactured domestically. “Most parts will be sourced locally,” he said, noting that 10 of the universities already have EV charging stations built in anticipation of the rollout. The project aims not only to reduce import dependency but also to jumpstart a local auto-parts industry with comparative advantages in areas like plastic production and petroleum by-products.
“Even global carmakers don’t build all components in-house,” Osanipin explained. “What matters is building a reliable after-sales ecosystem and parts supply chain.” He highlighted the economic opportunity in servicing Nigeria’s 18 million vehicles on the road today, compared to the 500,000 produced annually. “We’re building infrastructure and parts for the future—gradually but deliberately,” he added.
