…Highlights Senate’s Backing for EV Transition
Nigeria’s automotive industry received a significant push this week as Senator Orji Uzor Kalu reaffirmed his commitment to driving industrial innovation and positioning the country as a continental leader in automotive manufacturing and clean mobility.
Speaking at the Stakeholders’ Roundtable on the Nigerian Automotive Sector—organized by the Senate Committee on Industries in partnership with the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC)—Kalu outlined a bold, future-focused vision for the sector.
Kalu, a long-time advocate for industrial advancement, said the Senate remains fully committed to policies that will “strengthen Nigeria’s competitive edge and unlock the vast opportunities within the automotive value chain.”
According to him, the successful passage of his Electric Vehicle (EV) Transition Bill marks a turning point in the nation’s quest to modernize its transportation ecosystem.
“This bill provides a clear framework for clean mobility, encourages local EV production, and supports the development of charging infrastructure,” Kalu said, describing it as a milestone that will open new economic opportunities for young Nigerians.
The roundtable brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and technical experts to evaluate challenges affecting the sector and to propose strategies for modernizing Nigeria’s automotive ecosystem. Discussions focused on manufacturing capacity, investment incentives, regulatory alignment, and the shift toward sustainable transportation technologies.
Kalu’s address drew strong reactions from participants, many of whom lauded his efforts to inject strategic vision into national industrial policy.
“Nigeria cannot afford to lag behind. With the right policies and collaboration, we can build an automotive sector that drives economic growth and global competitiveness,” Kalu told the gathering.
He emphasized that transforming the sector requires a unified approach.
“Government, private sector players, and stakeholders must work hand-in-hand to move this industry forward. Collective effort is the only path to a modern, efficient, and competitive automotive market,” he added.
The senator reiterated that Nigeria stands at a critical moment in its industrial development and must embrace innovation to unlock its potential.
As conversations around local production, EV adoption, and technology-driven mobility gather momentum, Kalu’s leadership continues to shape the narrative and mobilize national attention toward the future of Nigeria’s automotive industry.
