FG Expands Support for Homegrown EV Technology

Nigeria’s push to build a domestic electric vehicle (EV) industry gathered momentum as the Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to local manufacturing, innovation, and technology transfer in the country’s emerging e-mobility sector.

The renewed commitment was announced by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, during the inaugural meeting of the Electric Vehicle Assemblers and Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (EVAMAN) in Abuja. Represented by Ibiam Oguejiofor, the minister said the government’s industrialisation strategy is anchored on Presidential Executive Order No. 5, which prioritises Nigerian expertise, local content, and indigenous enterprises in national development.

According to him, the ministry is working with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to integrate local content policies into clean transportation, renewable energy systems, and advanced manufacturing initiatives.

He assured stakeholders that government would continue supporting EVAMAN through policy frameworks, research partnerships, and innovation-driven programmes aimed at strengthening the sector.

Speaking at the meeting, EVAMAN President, Mustapha Audu, disclosed that the association has now transitioned into an elected leadership structure following its Corporate Affairs Commission registration and expansion across the electric mobility value chain. He expressed confidence that Nigeria possesses the capacity to become a leading hub for electric vehicle production and assembly in Africa.

Director-General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), Zahrah Audu, described e-mobility as a key component of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that the sector presents significant opportunities for industrial growth, employment generation, and investment attraction.

Also speaking, industry consultant Gift Agboro identified financing gaps, inadequate charging infrastructure, and the absence of harmonised standards as major challenges slowing the growth of the EV ecosystem. He called for stronger collaboration among industry players, regulators, and investors to address the bottlenecks, he said.”

“ Private sector operators also showcased ongoing investments in the sector, with Oando Clean Energy highlighting its electric bus deployment initiative as evidence of growing corporate commitment to sustainable transportation and cleaner energy solutions in Nigeria”

EVAMAN’s new executive comprises Mustapha Audu (President), Al Amin Ibrahim (Vice President), Chinedu Ochinanwata (Secretary General), Ademola Ogunbanjo (Assistant Secretary General), Adeyemi Olukayode Kalejaiye (Treasurer), Maxx EV (Assistant Treasurer), Celyena Okiyi (Legal Adviser), Ikenna Ayu (Head of Public Affairs), Chinedu Ekeh (Head of Research and Innovation), and Edward Ihejirika (Government Liaison and Policy).