Nigeria is making significant strides in its electric vehicle (EV) industry through a strategic partnership with a Moroccan company, aiming to boost local manufacturing and reduce reliance on imported vehicles. This collaboration, spearheaded by Nigeria’s National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), is set to enhance the nation’s automotive sector with a focus on electric and gas-powered vehicles, as well as the development of EV infrastructure.
Joseph Osanipin, Director-General of NADDC, announced the partnership during the recent Nigeria-Morocco business forum. He emphasized the initiative’s potential to foster local component manufacturing and strengthen Nigeria’s automotive industry.
“We have identified electric vehicle products that can be manufactured in Nigeria and exported to Morocco,” Osanipin explained, highlighting the mutual benefits of the partnership.
A delegation led by Osanipin visited key automotive facilities in Morocco, including the National Center for Homologation and several local firms. The team held discussions with E-move Vehicles Company, a significant player in energy storage systems, specializing in electric motorcycles, tricycles, and batteries. They also explored collaboration opportunities with Univers Acier Steel, a prominent supplier of automotive parts.
The Nigerian delegation also toured Cetiev, a Moroccan technology partner for automotive innovation, and reviewed six test centers spanning various sectors. According to Osanipin, the goal is to replicate Morocco’s success in Nigeria, promoting local production, enhancing technical skills, and contributing to economic growth and sustainability.
“Their expertise in battery manufacturing and economical EVs is especially valuable. Producing these products locally will support Nigeria’s transition to sustainable mobility and create jobs,” Osanipin concluded. This collaboration marks a significant step toward Nigeria’s vision for a self-sustaining automotive industry, with the potential to position the country as a regional leader in EV production and green technology.
