Electric cars project to begin in Nigeria

The Federal Government has opened discussions with international stakeholders in the automobile sector to kick-start a pilot programme on electric vehicles (EV), it has been revealed.

This is in line with the global trend in vehicle electrification with fossil fuel being phased out while mobility is largely powered by electricity and batteries.

The Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr. Jelani Aliyu, disclosed this at the weekend while delivering a keynote speech at the 2018 annual Nigeria Auto Journalists’ Awards (NAJA) awards in Lagos, saying electric vehicles are desirable in Nigeria.

Aliyu explained that the EV Pilot Programme comprised three components such as the vehicles itself, charging stations and training/maintenance.

According to him, Nigeria must not shy away from vehicle electrification which informed the discussion the country has opened with both electric vehicle and power station manufacturers.

Asked when the programme would take off, he said, “very soon”.

“We are working out details on the pilot programme to have these vehicles in Nigeria so as to better understand the viability, challenges and opportunities,” he stated.

The DG stressed that it was in line with this commitment that the council in August this year signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Volkswagen to produce vehicles in Nigeria.

He said, “We are particularly excited because VW is Europe’s largest auto manufacturer and it is very serious about electric vehicles and other new mobility solutions. The company is investing $84 billion in electric cars and batteries.

“NADDC is dedicated to developing the Nigerian automotive sector. It is in the quest to provide the best for Nigerians that the Federal Government and NADDC are committed to engaging and supporting some of the world’s best car manufacturers to set up operations in Nigeria,” he stated.

He further disclosed that in order to develop the technical manpower of the youth, NADDC is building seven automotive training centres, one in each of the six geopolitical zones, and the seventh in the FCT.

Aliyu also said, “in collaboration with the Presidential Social Investment Programme, N-Power, NADDC is training 3,200 youth in mechatronics across the country. Nigeria presents a new beginning, ready for innovation in its truest form.”

Source: DailyTrust