The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, has taken a decisive step toward industrial transformation with the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Asian Economic Development Committee.
The agreement, which signals Nigeria’s transition from industrial policy articulation to practical execution under the newly approved National Industrial Policy, underscore the government’s resolve to strengthen domestic manufacturing, reduce import dependence, and position Nigeria as a competitive industrial hub in Africa.
The partnership is anchored on four priority areas: the establishment of electric vehicle manufacturing facilities in Nigeria, the rollout of a nationwide EV charging infrastructure, structured technology transfer, and the systematic training and capacity development of Nigerian professionals. Implementation will follow a phased approach, beginning with vehicle assembly and advancing steadily toward full in-country production.
The Honourable Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, stated that the agreement reflects Nigeria’s broader industrial strategy focused on value addition, job creation, and technology localization. He emphasized that technology transfer, skills development, and Nigerian participation across the EV value chain are central to the success of the initiative while signing the MoU.
The Minister further noted that the electric vehicle sector presents a unique opportunity to combine manufacturing, energy, technology, and sustainability, while reinforcing Nigeria’s Nigeria-First industrial policy. He stressed that disciplined implementation, clear timelines, and institutional coordination would be critical to translating the MoU into factories, jobs, vehicles, and lasting economic impact.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Ambassador Nura Rimi, described the MoU as part of ongoing efforts to revive moribund industries and ensure that existing industrial capacity operates optimally, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Chairman of the Asian Economic Development Committee, Mr. Yun Soo Ho, described the agreement as a historic milestone, expressing confidence in Nigeria’s ability to produce its own national electric vehicle brand and emerge as a leading EV manufacturing country on the African continent. He emphasized that the decision to transfer EV technology was driven by strong political support from the Nigerian government and the clear commitment demonstrated by the Ministry and the National Automotive Design and Development Council.
On behalf of the National Automotive Design and Development Council, representative of the Council reaffirmed their mandate to drive sustainable automotive industry development, enhance local content, and integrate Nigeria into global automotive value chains. He noted that the MoU is not merely a statement of intent but a practical bridge between Nigeria’s market potential and Asia’s manufacturing and technological expertise.
The signing of this MoU marks a defining moment in Nigeria’s industrial journey, laying the foundation for sustainable manufacturing, technological advancement, and the country’s emergence as a leading electric vehicle hub in Africa.