Nigeria Set to Become Africa’s Electric Vehicle Hub as FMITI, South Korea Partnership Sign MoU
By Ekpang Goodness
Nigeria is set to become a leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer in Africa, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) and South Korea’s Asia Economic Development Committee (AEDC). The partnership aims to establish an EV manufacturing plant and develop charging infrastructure nationwide.
The project aligns with Nigeria’s National Energy Transition Plan and National Automotive Industry Development Plan, targeting the production of 300,000 vehicles annually and creating around 10,000 jobs. This initiative is expected to accelerate technology transfer, promote local manufacturing, and enhance Nigeria’s global competitiveness.
Speaking at the event, the honourable Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, described the agreement as a milestone that represents a shared resolve to build industries of the future. He emphasized that the partnership aligns with Nigeria’s industrial policy objectives, including diversifying the economy, strengthening domestic manufacturing capacity, creating jobs, and reducing import dependence.
AEDC Chairman, Mr. Yoon Suk-hun, expressed confidence in Nigeria’s potential to emerge as a major player in the global EV industry, citing the country’s passion and commitment to the project. The Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, hailed the MoU as a historic partnership that can reshape Nigeria’s automotive landscape and accelerate its integration into regional and global value chains.
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, marking a significant step towards 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.
