The global automotive industry is rapidly shifting toward electric vehicles (EVs) as countries seek to reduce carbon emissions and meet the Paris Agreement’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.
Developed economies are leading this transition, while developing countries, including Nigeria, face economic and infrastructural constraints that have slowed adoption.
Nigeria has committed to decarbonising road transportation through EV adoption.
According to the country’s Energy Transition Plan, launched in 2022, it aims for a 100% transition to electric vehicles by 2060, with Lagos State targeting 2050.
The federal government also instituted a National Action Plan for the Development of Electric Vehicles (EVDP), aiming for at least 30% of vehicles produced locally to be electric by 2032, alongside efforts to reduce reliance on imported vehicles.
Despite these policy measures, EV adoption in Nigeria is constrained by limited charging infrastructure, inconsistent electricity supply, and comparatively low economic capacity.
However, private companies have entered the market, assembling and selling EVs domestically while also producing other vehicle types such as saloon cars, SUVs, trucks, buses, and intracity three- and four-wheelers. These initiatives indicate gradual growth in Nigeria’s electric mobility sector.
This article spotlights the companies assembling electric vehicles in Nigeria and the founders and owners driving their growth.
Kelechi Orji is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Roxette Motors, a subsidiary of the Roxettes Group. An architect by training, Orji earned his BSc, Master’s, and PhD degrees in Architecture from Abia State University.
Roxette Motors operates a factory at the Eco-Drives Green Metropolis in Obuaku Industrial City Free Trade Zone, Abia State, where it assembles electric vehicles as well as petrol-powered, compressed natural gas (CNG), and hybrid vehicles. Its portfolio covers saloon cars, SUVs, pickups, compact and subcompact cars, luxury cars, and transit buses.
The EV models include the Blaze X, an electric pickup, and the Lumen-vx7, an electric SUV. Roxette has also established dedicated charging stations in Lagos, Enugu, Imo, Anambra, and Abia States to support adoption.
We Nigerians are happy, Seriously this is a welcome development, our youth will be rapidly employed into this industries, may God see us through amen!