“Game-Changer! Tinubu Flags Off Locally Produced Electric Vehicles, Puts Nigeria On Global EV Map”

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally inaugurated locally manufactured electric vehicles, tricycles, and motorcycles in Nasarawa State, heralding a significant step in Nigeria’s journey toward eco-friendly and sustainable transportation.

The event, which also included the unveiling of key legacy infrastructure projects, underscored Governor Abdullahi Sule’s administration’s dedication to innovation and environmental sustainability.

Held on Thursday, the commissioning ceremony marked the official rollout and adoption of electric vehicle technology in Nasarawa State—an initiative that aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s national agenda for sustainable transport.

Governor Sule announced plans to distribute electric vehicles to residents across the state, aiming to alleviate transportation challenges and reduce dependency on fossil fuels.

Speaking at the event, Mustapha Audu, CEO of the Electric Motor Vehicle Company (EMVC), expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and Governor Sule for championing local innovation and supporting the transition to future-ready transport solutions.

Audu described EMVC as a leading electric vehicle producer in Nigeria, with operations in other states as well. He applauded Governor Sule’s forward-thinking leadership, noting the global momentum toward electric mobility, particularly as many nations phase out compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles by 2030.

“We’ve developed SUVs capable of covering 1,200 kilometers per charge, and sedans with a 400 km range tailored for ride-hailing services. Our locally produced tricycles and motorcycles—popularly known as ‘Igwe’—are both affordable and built to endure Nigerian road conditions,” he said.

On infrastructure, Audu highlighted that EMVC’s solar-powered charging stations can serve three vehicles at once without relying on the national grid or generators, with plans to expand to five stations soon.

According to him, a full vehicle charge costs as little as ₦5,000, depending on battery size.

The electric vehicles run on lithium-ion batteries designed to cut carbon emissions and promote clean energy use. To support their wide-scale adoption, EMVC is also establishing local battery assembly plants, EV repair facilities, and training centers across Nasarawa.

“Each vehicle comes with at least a two-year warranty,” Audu noted. “Unlike conventional vehicles with over 25,000 components, electric vehicles use fewer than 300—mostly cosmetic—which greatly lowers maintenance costs and simplifies repairs.”

He emphasized that most issues would likely be electrical, and EMVC already has trained technicians in place, with more to be trained as the user base grows.

Despite challenges such as tough road conditions and varying climate, Audu affirmed that the vehicles were built with Nigeria’s unique realities in mind. He urged citizens to adopt these cleaner, cost-effective alternatives for transportation.