The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved the acquisition of electric buses for civil servants as part of efforts to promote cleaner transportation and boost local vehicle manufacturing.
The development was disclosed in Abuja by Joseph Osanipin, Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC). Osanipin said the buses would be sourced from local assemblers to strengthen domestic production and stimulate growth in Nigeria’s automotive sector.
He stated: “The initiative is aimed at encouraging the transition to cleaner mobility while creating opportunities for local manufacturers.” According to him, the government has also procured charging infrastructure that will be deployed across parts of the country to support the adoption of electric vehicles.
As part of broader efforts to develop the sector, the council is establishing the Nnewi Automotive Development Park in Anambra State. Osanipin explained: “We are developing the Nnewi Automotive Development Park where we will provide the necessary infrastructure so that users of the park can share facilities.”
He added that the shared infrastructure model would enable investors and manufacturers to operate without bearing the full cost of setting up independent facilities. The council is also seeking additional investment to accelerate the development of the park and attract more industry participants.
Osanipin urged Nigerians to support locally assembled vehicles, noting that increased patronage would help create jobs and drive economic growth. He said the council is providing training to manufacturers and stakeholders to enhance local production of vehicle components such as batteries and tyres.
“The move will reduce import dependence, create employment opportunities, and contribute to the country’s Gross Domestic Product,” he said. The NADDC is also working with the Bank of Industry Nigeria to facilitate the disbursement of the National Automotive Development Fund to qualified stakeholders.
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