The government of Nigeria has announced plans to manufacture and assemble locally produced electric vehicles. The initiative is being carried out in collaboration with Moroccan companies through the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC).
Disclosing this information, the Executive Director and CEO of NADDC, Joseph Osanipin, said the agreement was reached during their participation in the recent Nigeria-Morocco Economic Forum. He added that the delegation visited the National Certification Centre, the regulatory body for the Moroccan automotive sector, and two local companies.
During the business event, he highlighted the investment opportunities that Morocco’s industry can derive from the Nigerian automotive sector. He expressed that the partnership will bring about many innovations such as local parts manufacturing, electric vehicles, and so on.
The NADDC chief also noted that NADDC has begun initial discussions on areas of collaboration with E-move Vehicles Company, a company that manufactures electric vehicles.
General Manager and CEO “We were at the Nigeria-Morocco Business Week. After the forum that NADDC participated in along with other Nigerian companies, we visited E-move Vehicles Company, a company that manufactures electric motorcycles, electric tricycles, batteries and others. They are also a major player in energy storage systems,” Osanipin said.
He also mentioned another partnership with Univers Acier Steel, a company that makes parts for car manufacturers.
“We also visited Univers Acier Steel, a steel manufacturer whose products are used by car manufacturers. We looked into their regulations and identified electric vehicle products that can be manufactured in Nigeria and exported to Morocco. This visit showed us what we urgently need to do and how to proceed to achieve results,” he said.
What Nigeria will gain from the partnership
Osanipin stressed the importance of collaboration with Moroccan companies. He said that the initiative aims to promote local manufacturing capacity and improve technological know-how. He added that the initiative will reduce dependency on imported vehicles, thereby contributing to economic growth and environmental sustainability.
“The main attraction and main reason for our visit is their expertise in battery manufacturing and fuel-efficient electric vehicle manufacturing. We want them to produce in Nigeria. Manufacturing the same products in Nigeria will help in the quest for energy transition in mobility. Jobs will be created and more.”
“This is an eye-opener and marks the beginning of collaboration and exchange of experience in vehicle development. We have learned a lot from them in terms of regulations, inspection, testing etc. and there is a lot more to learn,” he said.
Global increase in electric vehicle sales
The global electric vehicle fleet is expected to grow by 17 million in 2024, according to an April report from the International Energy Agency. It noted that sales of supercars increased by about 25% in the first quarter of 2024.
Global Electric Vehicles Outlook 2024 report provides current trends and future predictions reflecting growing momentum towards a “new normal” in electric vehicle adoption.
