Nigeria, UK Partners To Pioneer Local Electric Vehicle Production

In a significant move toward revolutionising Nigeria’s automotive industry, Electric Motor Vehicles Company (EMVC), in partnership with UK-based Jupiter Lithium Limited, has signed a landmark five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish Nigeria’s leading indigenous electric vehicle manufacturing company.

This strategic collaboration aims to combine global expertise with Nigerian innovation to unlock the country’s vast potential in the global green economy.

In a statement made available to journalists in Abuja yesterday, the Chairman of Jupiter Lithium Limited, Dr. Stephen Davis, emphasised the strategic importance of mineral wealth to both countries.

“When we talk about vehicle production, we’re not just building cars — we’re building Nigeria’s future,” he said. “This partnership represents a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s transition to sustainable mobility. Jupiter is committed to developing a complete domestic supply chain — from lithium extraction to electric vehicle production.”

According to him, the comprehensive framework will support the development of Nigeria’s first fully integrated lithium-to-electric-vehicle ecosystem, in partnership with Jupiter Lithium Limited, a UK-based leader in clean mobility technology.

Dr. Davis stressed that the five-year collaboration positions Nigeria as an emerging hub in the global lithium supply chain by bridging a critical gap with a complete domestic value chain.

“The groundbreaking collaboration brings together EMVC’s proven expertise in sustainable vehicle development with Jupiter’s leadership in lithium-to-vehicle innovation,” he noted. “Our partnership with EMVC exemplifies how international cooperation can transform Nigeria’s economic landscape.”

The collaboration is expected to establish Nigeria as a key player in the global sustainable mobility industry. It will also support the integration of battery-grade chemical production and lithium battery manufacturing facilities, contributing to the country’s ambitious sustainability goals.

On his part, Prince Mustapha Audu, Chairman of EMVC, said the partnership will transform Nigeria’s electric vehicle industry by leveraging Jupiter’s high-grade SC6 spodumene concentrate production alongside EMVC’s manufacturing capabilities. The initiative will be headquartered on over 100 square kilometres in Kaduna State.

“This partnership will improve Nigeria’s trade balance, reduce reliance on imported batteries, and promote sustainable transportation,” he stated. “The company is committed to building local capacity while supporting Nigeria’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”

He added that the project will increase local content across the mining and automotive sectors, with operations managed by Range Mining Limited and Basin Mining Limited across multiple states.

“It will promote technology transfer and skills development in local communities while offering a full range of electric vehicles and complementary services. Ultimately, this partnership will generate employment opportunities and foster environmental sustainability and economic growth,” Prince Audu said.