The Federal Government has taken a step toward advancing the country’s industrial and clean energy ambitions with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) and the Asia Economic Development Committee (AEDC) of the Republic of Korea for the establishment of electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing and charging infrastructure in Nigeria.
According to a statement signed by Obilor -Duru Augustina, Head Press & PR, The MoU, a signing ceremony held recently in Abuja, brought together senior government officials, industry stakeholders and international partners, highlighting Nigeria’s drive to deepen industrialisation, promote technology transfer and achieve sustainable economic growth.
John Owan Enoh, Minister of State for Industry, delivering a ministerial address at the event, described the agreement as a major milestone that goes beyond formal cooperation to reflect a shared commitment to building industries of the future.
He said the partnership aligns with Nigeria’s industrial policy objectives of economic diversification, expansion of domestic manufacturing capacity, job creation and reduction of import dependence.
According to the Minister, the electric vehicle sector offers Nigeria a strategic opportunity to integrate manufacturing, energy, technology and sustainability within a globally competitive value chain. He noted that the initiative is in line with the Nigeria First Policy and will be implemented through a phased approach, starting with complete vehicle assembly and advancing to full-scale local production.
Enoh emphasised that the scale and scope of the project demonstrate long-term confidence in Nigeria’s industrial potential, workforce and skills base, adding that knowledge transfer and localisation of technology would remain central to the partnership’s success.
He further underscored the importance of disciplined implementation, strong institutional coordination and accountability to ensure the agreement delivers tangible results.
The Minister also highlighted the critical role of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) in ensuring alignment with national automotive policies, standards, incentives and localisation targets, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the Council in driving the initiative.
In his remarks, Yoon Suk-hun, Chairman of AEDC, expressed confidence in Nigeria’s capacity to emerge as a major player in the global EV industry. He said AEDC’s decision to partner with Nigeria was informed by the strong commitment demonstrated by the Nigerian leadership, particularly the Minister of State for Industry and the Vice President, as well as the extensive engagements held through both in-person and virtual meetings.
Yoon commended all stakeholders who contributed to the successful conclusion of the agreement.
Also speaking, Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, Director-General of NADDC, who was represented by Nura Sidi, Head of the Policy, Planning and Statistics Department, described the MoU as a historic partnership capable of transforming Nigeria’s automotive sector.
He said the collaboration would accelerate Nigeria’s integration into regional and global automotive value chains, while assuring stakeholders that NADDC would effectively discharge its regulatory and coordination responsibilities to ensure the project translates into jobs, technological advancement and sustainable economic growth.
