Nigeria’s electric mobility sector is experiencing a shift from importation to local production.
With the Electric Vehicle Transition and Green Mobility Bill 2025 which passed for its second reading at the Nigeria senate on the 5th of November, Nigeria’s clean mobility future keeps getting clearer.
Here is a look into two companies driving the future of electric mobility in Nigeria
TAVET Motion
TAVET Motion, a subsidiary of Nord Automobiles Limited, represents one of Nigeria’s most significant domestic investments in electric vehicle manufacturing.
The company currently assembles three electric vehicle models at Nord’s production facilities in Lagos.
All three TAVET models are assembled using Semi-Knocked Down (SKD) kits, with strategic plans to progress to Complete-Knocked Down (CKD) assembly and eventually Complete Built-Up (CBU) manufacturing to increase local content in line with the National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP).
TAVET Luto is a compact four-door electric sedan designed for urban mobility, offering up to 200 kilometers of range per charge. It targets young professionals and commuters seeking relief from high fuel costs, with safety features including airbags, reversing camera, ABS, and hill-start assist.
TAVET Garent serves as the flagship luxury sedan, featuring advanced driver assistance systems including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking with a claimed range of up to 1,200 kilometers per charge.
TAVET Vant addresses a critical market need as Nigeria’s first practical electric logistics van. Designed for delivery businesses and fleet operators, it offers 1,440 kilograms payload capacity and 305 kilometers range, with fast-charging enabling 20-80% charging in just 45 minutes.
TAVET is exploring Nigeria’s emerging lithium reserves for potential battery component sourcing, which could create opportunities for upstream mining and processing industries.
The company has also announced plans to partner with renewable energy providers to deploy solar-powered fast chargers nationwide, building a complete EV ecosystem while creating skilled employment in vehicle assembly, quality control, and technical service.
SAGLEV
SAGLEV Electromobility Nigeria Limited operates what is recognized as the first fully electric vehicle assembly plant in sub-Saharan Africa dedicated exclusively to EV production. Located in Imota, Ikorodu, Lagos, the facility spans over 8,000 square meters with an installed capacity to assemble 2,500 electric vehicles annually.
The company began commercial operations in late 2024, following certification by Dongfeng Motor Group, whose vehicles SAGLEV assembles. The facility has earned recognition from the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) for meeting international standards.
SAGLEV represents various Dongfeng electric vehicle models including the Voyah, Nammi, and Mhero luxury sedans, progressing from SKD to CKD and eventually CBU manufacturing to maximize local content.
Technical Capacity Development
One of SAGLEV’s most significant contributions is technical capacity building. According to company chairman Dr. Samuel Faleye, 80% of technicians working in the plant are products of the NADDC capacity building scheme, organized with Automedics.
Nigeria has maintained an electric vehicle technician curriculum for over eight years, creating a pipeline of skilled workers with expertise in electric propulsion systems, battery management, power electronics, and EV-specific diagnostics.
SAGLEV has partnered with Ardova Plc to install EV charging stations at fuel stations across Nigeria, leveraging Ardova’s network of over 500 stations. The company has also installed chargers at strategic locations including Mega Plaza Shopping Mall in Victoria Island, with plans for extensive expansion.
Manufacturing’s Critical Role in Nigeria’s Green Mobility Future
The establishment of EV assembly operations creates significantly more economic value than importing finished vehicles.
Manufacturing generates direct employment for factory workers, quality control specialists, and technical service personnel, while creating indirect employment through supply chains. As local content increases, more economic activity remains within Nigeria.
Local assembly operations are less vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions, currency fluctuations, and international shipping challenges that have repeatedly affected vehicle availability and pricing in Nigeria. A domestic EV manufacturing sector provides more stable supply and pricing, benefiting consumers and businesses planning fleet investments.
The transition to electric mobility intersects critically with Nigeria’s energy sector development. Solar-powered charging stations link clean mobility to clean energy generation, creating markets for renewable energy manufacturing.
As Nigeria’s EV fleet grows, opportunities will emerge for local battery assembly and eventually recycling operations.
Challenges and Path Forward
- Substantial challenges such as:
- Access to foreign exchange for importing components
- Sufficient production volume
- Financial Investment
- Consumer adoption barriers e.g high upfront costs and unfamiliarity with EV technology.
Conclusion
Manufacturing is the foundation that determines if Nigeria’s clean mobility transition creates lasting value for Nigerians.
The road ahead requires sustained commitment from government, industry, and financial institutions.
