The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to the advancement of Electric Vehicles (EVs) in Nigeria. Dr. Evelyn Ngige, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, made this statement during the Validation Workshop of the Draft National Action Plan for the Development of EVs in Nigeria, held in Abuja.

The workshop, themed “Positioning Nigeria among the Leading Countries in Vehicle Electrification,” was organized by the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC). Dr. Ngige, represented by Adewale Bakare, the Director of Industry Development in the ministry, urged all relevant stakeholders to support the initiative.

She emphasized that EV development is no longer a distant future but a reality in Nigeria. Therefore, it is essential to embrace the project wholeheartedly.

The action plan outlines the necessary steps to achieve success in EV development, expansion, and utilization in Nigeria.

This includes identifying incentives, establishing a regulatory framework, securing financing, and developing the required infrastructure, such as charging stations, while also focusing on training and capacity building.

Dr. Ngige highlighted that the plan identifies key stakeholders who will play a crucial role in supporting the development and expansion of EVs in Nigeria. The objective of the validation workshop is to review and enhance the plan to ensure its comprehensiveness and effectiveness.

She urged all participants to critically assess the draft document presented at the workshop to ensure that the resulting policy on EVs is robust and on par with global standards.

Bashir Gwandu, the Executive Vice-Chairman and CEO of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), expressed the agency’s commitment to the success of the EV project. He emphasized the importance of collaboration to achieve the desired outcomes and stated that NASENI is well-positioned to contribute significantly to the nation’s development.

Regarding the Solar Charging Infrastructure for EVs, Gwandu confirmed that NASENI will collaborate with NADDC to promote and ensure the establishment of effective charging stations.

In line with promoting renewable energy-powered vehicles, Jelani Aliyu, the Director-General of NADDC, emphasized the council’s dedication to the cause.

With the government’s unwavering commitment and the cooperation of various stakeholders, the prospects of electric vehicle production and adoption in Nigeria look promising.