Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Federal Government of Nigeria has taken a decisive step toward positioning the country as a leading hub for electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing in Africa with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) and the Asia Economic Development Committee (AEDC) of the Republic of Korea. This was contained in a statement signed by Obilor-Duru Augustina, Head, Press, and Public Relations.
The MoU signing ceremony, held recently in Abuja, brought together senior government officials, industry leaders, and international partners, underscoring Nigeria’s commitment to industrialisation, technology transfer, and sustainable economic growth.
Delivering the ministerial address, the Honourable Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, described the agreement as a milestone that goes beyond formal documentation, representing a shared resolve to build industries of the future. He noted that the partnership aligns with Nigeria’s industrial policy objectives of diversifying the economy, strengthening domestic manufacturing capacity, creating jobs, and reducing import dependence. According to the Minister, the EV sector presents a strategic opportunity for Nigeria to integrate manufacturing, energy, technology, and sustainability within a globally competitive value chain.
Senator Enoh emphasised that the initiative reflects the Nigeria First Policy, with a phased approach that begins with complete EV assembly and progresses to full in-house production. He highlighted that the scale of the project demonstrates long-term confidence in Nigeria’s industrial capability, workforce, and skills development, while stressing that knowledge transfer and localisation of technology remain central to the success of the partnership.
The Honourable Minister of State for Industry further underscored the critical role of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) in ensuring alignment with national automotive policies, standards, incentives, and localisation targets. He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to disciplined implementation, institutional coordination, and accountability to ensure that the agreement delivers tangible outcomes.
In his remarks, the Chairman of AEDC, Mr. Yoon Suk-hun expressed strong confidence in Nigeria’s ability to emerge as a major player in the global EV industry. He attributed AEDC’s decision to partner with Nigeria to the evident passion and commitment demonstrated by the Nigerian leadership, particularly the Honourable Minister and the Vice President, as well as the depth of engagements held through in-person and virtual meetings. Mr. Yoon conveyed appreciation to all contributors, both visible and behind the scenes, who worked to bring the initiative to fruition.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Director-General of NADDC Director General Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, who was represented by the Head of Policy, Planning and Statistics Department Mr. Nura Sidi described the MoU as a historic partnership capable of reshaping Nigeria’s automotive landscape and accelerating its integration into regional and global value chains. He commended the Honourable Minister for his visionary leadership and assured stakeholders that NADDC would play its regulatory and coordination role to ensure that the agreement translates into jobs, technological advancement, and sustainable economic growth.
Earlier, in his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ambassador Abba Nura Rimi, welcomed participants and described the occasion as a testament to Nigeria’s growing credibility as an investment destination. He noted that the MoU reflects a shared commitment to practical collaboration, urging all parties to remain focused on execution, mutual accountability, and long-term impact for the Nigerian economy.
The ceremony concluded with the formal signing of the MoU by representatives of NADDC and AEDC, marking a significant step toward the establishment of EV manufacturing facilities and charging infrastructure in Nigeria, and reinforcing the country’s ambition to become a competitive industrial and manufacturing hub in Africa.
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