Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor | Journalist at Weng Global
Former senator and media entrepreneur Ben Murray-Bruce has urged Nigeria’s leading indigenous automobile manufacturer, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM), to shift its attention toward electric vehicle (EV) production, arguing that the future of transportation in Nigeria depends on embracing cleaner, more sustainable technology.
In a post shared on his verified X account, Murray-Bruce said Nigeria possesses the natural resources required to become a leader in Africa’s electric vehicle revolution. He pointed to the country’s abundant sunshine, vast lithium deposits, and growing need for affordable transportation as reasons why manufacturers should begin investing in EV technology.
His comments come as Nigerians continue to face rising transportation costs following the removal of fuel subsidies and sustained increases in petrol prices, prompting renewed discussions about alternative energy solutions.
According to Murray-Bruce, Nigeria’s climate gives it a unique advantage in adopting electric vehicles. With sunshine available throughout most of the year, he said solar-powered charging stations could provide an efficient and sustainable way to power EVs across the country.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s significant lithium deposits, describing the mineral as a strategic asset because it is a key component in rechargeable batteries used in electric vehicles. By developing a local battery industry alongside vehicle manufacturing, he argued, Nigeria could reduce dependence on imported components while creating new economic opportunities.
The former lawmaker specifically appealed to Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing, Nigeria’s largest indigenous vehicle producer, to take the lead in the country’s transition to electric mobility.
He said the company has already demonstrated its capacity to manufacture vehicles locally and should now position itself for the future by investing in electric vehicle production.
According to him, producing affordable electric vehicles designed for Nigerian roads would not only strengthen Innoson’s competitiveness but also place the country at the forefront of Africa’s growing EV market.
Industry experts agree that local manufacturing could reduce vehicle import dependence, stimulate industrial growth, and create employment opportunities in engineering, battery production, mining, renewable energy, and technology.
Electric vehicles are increasingly being promoted around the world because they produce fewer emissions and generally cost less to maintain than conventional petrol-powered cars. Without the need for engine oil changes and with fewer moving mechanical parts, EV owners often spend less on maintenance over the lifetime of the vehicle.
However, experts note that widespread adoption in Nigeria will require significant investment in charging infrastructure, improved electricity supply, favourable government policies, and incentives to encourage both manufacturers and consumers.
Several countries have already introduced tax incentives, subsidies, and infrastructure projects aimed at accelerating the transition to electric mobility. Analysts believe Nigeria could benefit from similar initiatives while leveraging its abundant renewable energy resources and growing automotive industry.
Across Africa, countries such as Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, and Morocco have begun investing in electric mobility through policy reforms and partnerships with private investors. Observers say Nigeria, with one of the continent’s largest automobile markets, has the potential to become a regional manufacturing hub if the necessary investments are made.
For many Nigerians, the appeal of electric vehicles extends beyond environmental benefits. Rising fuel prices have significantly increased the cost of transportation and logistics, affecting households and businesses alike. Affordable electric vehicles powered by renewable energy could help reduce operating costs and improve energy security in the long term.
Murray-Bruce’s latest call adds to the growing conversation about the future of transportation in Nigeria and the need for local industries to adapt to global technological changes.
Whether Innoson responds by accelerating investment in electric vehicle production remains to be seen. Nevertheless, industry observers believe that embracing electric mobility could open new opportunities for Nigeria’s automotive sector while contributing to economic diversification, job creation, and environmental sustainability.
As countries around the world continue shifting toward cleaner transportation technologies, stakeholders say Nigeria’s abundant solar energy, lithium resources, and local manufacturing capacity could become major assets in building a competitive electric vehicle industry capable of serving both domestic and international markets.
Sources
- Ben Murray-Bruce (Verified X Account)
- Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM)
- Reuters
- International Energy Agency (IEA)
- The Whistler
