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Director General, National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr. Jelani Aliyu, has assured that Nigeria remains committed to mass production of affordable electric vehicles (EVs) and rejigging of the entire auto industry by supporting indigenous auto manufacturers to boost their production capacity.
Aliyu gave the assurance recently while receiving Minister of State for Transport, Ms. Gbemisola Ruqayyah Saraki, who was on a working visit to NADDC in Abuja.
Saraki and Aliyu at the fast charger station for EVs inside the NADDC
The NADDC has implemented series of initiatives designed to improve the production capacity and skill development across the entire value chain of the auto industry in Nigeria, Aliyu told the minister.
They include unveiling of the first assembled made-in-Nigeria KONA Electric car; establishment of the NADDC’s solar powered electric vehicle charging stations at Usman Dan folio University, Sokoto, University of Lagos and University of Nigeria, Nsukka; and training of Nigerian youths on mechatronics among others.
he said the NADDC, in pursuance of its mandate, is implementing the Nigeria Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) as a catalyst for development and sustainability of the Nigerian automotive industry.
“The automotive policy, currently under review, when passed into law shall open windows for more investment opportunities and expedite the positioning of the local auto industry to be at par with advanced countries,” the NADDC boss said.
While commending Aliyu and his team, the minister urged the NADDC to identify areas of collaborations with a view to improving vehicle safety measures in the transport sector.
On showcase during the visit were the Hyundai Kona EV and the Jet Systems Electric Van as well as a fast charger module for expedited charging of EVs.
The NADDC is currently working on a blueprint for mass production and adoption of EVs with the inauguration of a technical committee on EVs development plan for the country.
Aliyu, who is also chairing the meeting, said the committee will focus on a blueprint fostered on the pillars of the Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) that include investment promotion, infrastructure development, standards, skills development and market development.
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During the inauguration last month in Abuja, Aliyu said the NADDC desires to leverage new trade opportunities for EVs export within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), “the strategic framework for delivering on Africa’s goal for inclusive and sustainable development and is a concrete manifestation of the pan-African drive.”
According to Aliyu, the final document by the committee when approved by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment will then then proceed for final approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), the country’s highest decision-making body.
He added that under President Buhari, the country has demonstrated strong commitment to achieving the manufacturing of electric and gas-powered vehicles in line with the net-zero target by 2060.
