In a significant move towards promoting sustainable transportation in Nigeria, SAGLEV, a pioneering Nigerian electric vehicle (EV) assembler, has officially launched its new assembly plant in Lagos. The facility aims to scale production from its current capacity of 2,600 units per year to an ambitious target of 10,000 electric vehicles annually. This initiative marks a major milestone in Nigeria’s automotive sector and its push for greener, cleaner transportation solutions.
The Lagos plant, strategically positioned to serve urban transport needs, is designed not only to assemble electric passenger cars but also electric Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) buses. The project aligns with the government’s vision of integrating eco-friendly vehicles into public transport networks to reduce pollution and traffic congestion in major cities.
During a courtesy visit by the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), SAGLEV’s Chairman and CEO, Sam Faleye, detailed the journey that led to the plant’s launch. “It has taken three years of meticulous planning, regulatory approvals, and intensive workforce training to reach this stage. Our electric vehicles are already operational on Nigerian roads, reflecting our commitment to transforming mobility,” Faleye said.
One of the major challenges facing electric vehicle adoption in Nigeria has been cost and infrastructure. Faleye addressed these concerns, emphasizing SAGLEV’s competitive pricing strategy. “Our electric models are priced at less than 60 percent of comparable petrol-powered vehicles, making them affordable for a wider segment of Nigerians. Additionally, every vehicle comes with its own charger, and our technology allows charging even through homes equipped with standard 20 kVA generators,” he explained.
The Lagos plant’s production scale-up is set to create substantial job opportunities across the automotive manufacturing value chain—from assembly line workers to engineers and technicians—boosting the local economy.
Supporting this green initiative, the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) is collaborating with SAGLEV to incorporate electric buses into Lagos’s urban transport systems, further advancing efforts to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality in the bustling city.
Speaking on behalf of NADDC Director-General Oluwemimo Osanipin, Deputy Director of Press and Protocol, Felicia Oyebolu, praised the homegrown innovation. “Nigeria is positioning itself not just as an importer but as a manufacturer of cutting-edge automotive technology. SAGLEV’s success is a testament to our growing capabilities,” she said.
The plant has also garnered backing from the financial sector, with Keystone Bank’s Head of Business Sustainability, Akinwunmi Olukeye, affirming the environmental and economic advantages of electric vehicles. “This is a strategic, future-focused move that dovetails perfectly with Nigeria’s national sustainability agenda and economic diversification plans,” Olukeye stated.
Experts believe SAGLEV’s ambitious production goals could significantly reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported vehicles and fossil fuels, enhancing energy security and promoting cleaner air in urban centers. It also opens avenues for Nigeria to participate in the growing global EV market, which is expected to expand exponentially in the coming years.
However, challenges remain, including the need for expanded EV charging infrastructure nationwide, public awareness campaigns, and policy support to sustain growth. Industry stakeholders urge government collaboration to provide incentives such as tax breaks and subsidies to encourage wider EV adoption.
SAGLEV’s Lagos plant is a bold step forward, signaling a new era in Nigeria’s automotive landscape—one that embraces innovation, sustainability, and economic empowerment.