The Federal Government has selected twelve universities across Nigeria—two from each of the country’s six geopolitical zones—to spearhead the local design and manufacturing of electric vehicles. This strategic initiative forms a critical part of the First Nigeria policy championed by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aimed at advancing indigenous technological capabilities and boosting industrial development.
The Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr. Oluwemimo Osanipin, made the disclosure during a stakeholder engagement session in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Tuesday. The meeting was held with key industry bodies including the Association of Motor Dealers of Nigeria (AMDON) and the Nigerian Automotive Manufacturers Association (NAMA).
Osanipin revealed that the electric vehicle project will be financed through a partnership with the Bank of Industry and other major financial institutions. He explained that each of the selected universities will contribute to the design and production of 100% electric shuttle buses—referred to as the “University Shuttle Bus”—as part of efforts to build Nigeria’s automotive manufacturing ecosystem.
“This initiative is not only about producing vehicles, but also about nurturing a robust auto components sector,” Osanipin stated. “No original equipment manufacturer (OEM) produces every single part of a vehicle. That’s why we are focusing on component development. Nigeria must be part of the global supply chain.”
He noted that component and parts manufacturing would be a cornerstone of the initiative, particularly in light of Nigeria’s potential comparative advantage in producing items such as plastic parts derived from petrochemical by-products. According to him, while the annual production capacity may reach 500,000 vehicles, over 18 million vehicles currently on Nigerian roads require after-sales servicing—creating an urgent need for domestic parts production.
In line with this strategy, the NADDC has already commenced the installation of electric vehicle charging and support stations in select universities. Osanipin disclosed that at least 10 institutions have received such facilities as part of the project’s rollout phase.
“In a few months, we will complete infrastructure in at least 10 universities. Once the vehicle designs are completed, we will integrate them with licensed vehicle assemblers and manufacturers. The Bank of Industry and other partners will provide the needed funding to translate these designs into road-ready vehicles,” he added.
Osanipin reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to ensuring Nigeria becomes a regional hub for electric vehicle production. He stressed that the government is building not only for today’s needs but also for future industrial and technological transformation.
The NADDC boss also spoke on the importance of regulatory reform within the automotive sector, especially in relation to used car imports and dealership operations. He said the engagement with AMDON and NAMA was aimed at aligning stakeholders with the government’s vision for a regulated, forward-looking auto industry.
This initiative aligns with the federal government’s broader goals of accelerating local content development, fostering innovation, and enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global auto industry.
