Jelani Aliyu, the director-general of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADCC) is optimistic that in approximately 10 years, 50 per cent of Nigerian vehicles would be electric, and produced or assembled in the country as well.
Mr Aliyu also disclosed that the NADCC is currently partnering with Jaiz Bank to establish a vehicle loan program for Nigerians during a meeting with the press in Kaduna.
Multiple automobile companies that produced and assembled their products in the country had invested over N500 billion around 2 years ago, including Dangote, PAN, Honda, Elizade, Innoson, and Lanre Shittu.
These companies in total are expected to be able to produce up to 400,000 vehicles and provide over 50,000 Nigerians with employment.
The development of the automotive industry in Nigeria can be traced back to the boom of the 70s and 80s when various foreign companies established their factories. According to Aliyu, at that time people were able to afford cars, until the drop in crude oil price which led to a recession occurred in 1986, eventually forcing the companies to shut down their businesses.
The director-general also touched on how electric vehicles would be a better option for the Nigerian environment. It requires less maintenance, as the machine of the cars does not require fuel, engine oil, plugs, rings and piston.
