Nigeria has taken a decisive step toward becoming a leading hub for electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing in Africa, following 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.
The MoU signing ceremony, held recently in Abuja, brought together senior government officials, industry leaders, and international partners, reflecting 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 transcends formal documentation, symbolising 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.
“The EV sector presents a strategic opportunity for Nigeria to integrate manufacturing, energy, technology, and sustainability within a globally competitive value chain,” Senator Enoh stated. He further explained that the initiative follows a phased approach, beginning with complete EV assembly and progressing to full in-house production, emphasising that knowledge transfer and localisation of technology are central to the partnership’s success.
Senator Enoh also highlighted 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 reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to disciplined implementation, institutional coordination, and accountability to ensure tangible outcomes from the agreement.
In his remarks, AEDC Chairman Mr. Yoon Suk-hun expressed confidence in Nigeria’s potential as a major player in the global EV industry. He attributed AEDC’s decision to partner with Nigeria to the leadership’s passion and commitment, particularly that of Senator Enoh and the Vice President, as well as extensive engagement through both in-person and virtual meetings.
Represented by the Head of Policy, Planning and Statistics Department, Mr. Nura Sidi, the Director-General of NADDC, Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, described the MoU as a historic partnership capable of transforming Nigeria’s automotive landscape and accelerating its integration into regional and global value chains. He assured stakeholders that NADDC would play its regulatory and coordination role to deliver jobs, technological advancement, and sustainable economic growth.
Earlier, in his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary of FMITI, 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 reflected a shared commitment to practical collaboration, urged all parties to focus on execution, mutual accountability, and long-term impact.
The ceremony concluded with the formal signing of the MoU by representatives of NADDC and AEDC, marking a significant step toward establishing EV manufacturing facilities and charging infrastructure in Nigeria, and reinforcing the country’s ambition to become a competitive industrial and manufacturing hub in Africa.
