A delegation led by the Director-General, National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr. Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, is in Haikou, Hainan, China for the 2025 World New Energy Vehicle Congress (WNEVC).
The WNEVC is a premier global platform dedicated to the New Energy Vehicle (NEV) industry, attracting top automakers such as Volkswagen, Tesla, BYD, and Toyota, alongside policymakers, academics, and researchers.
A statement explained that NADDC’s participation underscores Nigeria’s strategic commitment to sustainable mobility and active engagement in the global transition toward New Energy Vehicles.
The event, scheduled for September 27th to 29th, 2025 started with thematic sessions where participating agencies, experts in the industry and other stakeholders brainstormed on the emerging innovations and strategies towards achieving sustainable NEV in the industry.
Following the technical session was a comprehensive presentation by the NADDC DG, and thereafter a thorough technical inspection of the vehicles, engines and components parts, displayed at the exhibition ground, showcasing the technical expertise and emerging technologies in developing sustainable mobility in the industry by top auto makers.
In his presentation, Mr. Osanipin outlined Nigeria’s strategic vision, policy frameworks, and investment opportunities in the NEV sector, positioning the country as an emerging leader in sustainable mobility in West Africa.
Mr. Osanipin emphasized NADDC’s mandate as the sole regulatory body for Nigeria’s automotive industry under the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment. He highlighted:
- Industry Capacity: Over 400,000 vehicles annually, primarily in Semi-Knocked Down (SKD) assembly.
- Transition Goal: Progressing from SKD to Completely Knocked Down (CKD) operations and boosting local component production.
Mr. Osanipin further outlined NADDC’s key targets: - Convert 1 million vehicles annually to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
- Develop a nationwide network of EV charging stations.
- Attract local and international investments into NEV assembly and component manufacturing.
Stating that with over 14 million vehicles currently on Nigerian roads and more than 500,000 vehicles imported annually, Nigeria represents a significant growth market. According to Mr. Osanipin, opportunities exist in Joint ventures with international partners,
Technology transfer and licensing agreements,
Capacity building/technical training and Development of specialized NEV industrial hubs.
He further noted that Nigeria requires at least 50,000 EV charging stations and expanded CNG storage and distribution infrastructure to meet future demand.
In conclusion the Director-General reaffirmed NADDC’s vision of positioning Nigeria as West Africa’s hub for NEV innovation. He called on global stakeholders particularly Chinese investors and technology leaders to partner with Nigeria in accelerating the transition to sustainable mobility, driving economic growth, and ensuring a greener future for Africa.
