The Federal Government of Nigeria and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have thrown their weight behind local electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing, partnering with indigenous firm Saglev Electromobility Company Limited to advance Nigeria’s clean mobility goals. The move signals a major boost for green industrialisation, technology transfer, and climate-smart transport solutions in Africa’s most populous nation.
Saglev confirmed the high-profile partnership ahead of official visits to its assembly plant in Imota, Lagos, by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, on July 30, and AfDB President, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, on July 31. The visits will assess the company’s progress and affirm federal and continental support for sustainable mobility and industrialisation.
In a statement released by the company, Saglev described the visits as “a milestone validation” of its central role in shaping Nigeria’s clean energy future. “These visits by national and continental leaders validate our commitment to Nigeria’s industrial future and Africa’s clean transportation revolution,” said Saglev CEO, Dr. Sam Faleye. “We welcome the Minister and the AfDB President as they witness firsthand the progress being made.”
Saglev, which has emerged as Nigeria’s pioneer indigenous EV manufacturer, currently assembles 16 electric vehicle models. These include ride-hailing cars, luxury sedans, mid-size delivery vans, BRT buses, and utility trucks—all designed and built for the Nigerian and African market. The company also focuses on local sourcing, job creation, and knowledge transfer, aligning with the government’s broader agenda on economic diversification and import substitution.
According to the company, the strategic collaboration with the Federal Government and AfDB underscores strong investor and institutional confidence in Nigeria’s capacity to lead Africa’s e-mobility transition. “Our facility showcases what is possible when innovation, policy support, and regional development financing come together to solve big challenges like climate change, unemployment, and logistics efficiency,” the statement noted.
Saglev’s plant in Imota not only functions as a manufacturing hub but also as a knowledge centre driving skills development and green tech capacity across the value chain. With support from the AfDB and the federal government, Saglev aims to scale up operations, attract global investments, and strengthen Africa’s clean energy industrial base.
Dr. Oduwole’s visit is expected to reinforce the government’s commitment to promoting indigenous production and reducing Nigeria’s carbon footprint. For Dr. Adesina, whose AfDB administration has prioritized sustainable infrastructure and climate resilience, the visit marks a key step in operationalising the bank’s climate-smart transport agenda across Africa.
Industry observers say this partnership could accelerate Nigeria’s bid to become a hub for EV manufacturing in West Africa, generate thousands of jobs, and stimulate export-oriented production.
Saglev reiterated its dedication to supporting the government’s National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) and the Energy Transition Plan. “We remain committed to driving Nigeria’s transition to clean energy mobility while boosting indigenous capacity across the electric vehicle value chain,” it concluded.