Federal Gov’t Backs Electric Vehicles Push, Vows Support For Local Manufacturing

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to promoting the manufacturing and use of Electric Vehicles (EVs) to ensure a clean environment and bolster the nation’s economy.

Mr Joseph Osanipin, Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), made this assertion during his visit to the Possible EVs Experience Centre in Abuja on Friday.

The Possible EVs is an electric vehicle manufacturing company seeking an enabling environment to produce vehicles in Nigeria.

Osanipin, acknowledging the potential investments EVs could bring to the country, stated that the government was committed to collaborating with relevant stakeholders to support such innovations.

He reiterated that due to the health hazards caused by emissions, electric vehicles were the way forward for the country.

Osanipin remarked, “We will align with your idea of a clean environment. We are ready and will support young companies like yours; you deserve this support. We are willing to do whatever it takes to assist you.

“As I mentioned earlier, we are delighted because we understand the kind of revolution and investment EVs will bring to the sector and the entire country, creating investments across different sectors.

“This will also generate jobs, among other things. So, we will collaborate with you and provide you with maximum support.”

Earlier, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Possible EVs, Mosope Olaosebikan, explained that the purpose of the meeting was to seek collaboration with the NADDC to ensure a clean environment for Nigerians.

“Our primary goal is to make a positive impact on the country’s economy, transition to cleaner and more efficient transportation methods, enable Nigerians to travel in our own vehicles and enhance the ecosystem.

“As we strive for this, we aim to create jobs. We have established our factory in Idu to facilitate the production and use of local materials, thereby increasing local content.

“We are just a year old and have been working to expand, showing Nigerians that these possibilities exist.

“This presents an opportunity for us to join other developed nations in advancing our economy through EVs, and this can only be achieved with the support of NADDC,” he said.

Regarding affordability, Olaosebikan mentioned that the cost of the vehicles would decrease once local production commenced, coupled with the provision of a conducive business environment by the government.

He added that the company was collaborating with the federal government to deploy 100 vehicles before the second quarter of 2024, aiming to alleviate transportation challenges for Nigerians.

“We aim to make the government proud by ensuring the delivery of top-notch quality. We plan to deploy around 50 taxis to complement the buses; we hope that as more people experience these vehicles, they will consider switching to electric vehicles.

“We are currently in discussions with local and foreign investors to raise a hundred million dollar fund. Our objective is to achieve 50 percent local production by next year.” (NAN)