SAGLEV EVs’ Innovation To Unlock New Economic Frontiers For Nigerian Youths, says Minister

As Nigeria intensifies its push for industrialization and green mobility, the federal government’s backing of local players like SAGLEV signals a new chapter in economic transformation, job creation, and sustainable innovation.

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, said the innovative strides of SAGLEV, a Nigerian electric vehicle company based in Ikorodu, Lagos State, could open up new economic opportunities for young Nigerians, especially those involved in ride-hailing services across the country.

Dr. Oduwole made the remark during an official visit to SAGLEV’s EV assembly plant on Thursday, July 31, accompanied by the Director General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Joseph Osanipin.

Seeing the range of products available here at SAGLEV shows what Nigerian innovation and commitment can produce,” the Minister said.

“These vehicles are sustainable, affordable—some under N20 million—and accessible through credit and leasing options. This is ideal for the transport and logistics sectors.”

The minister noted that technological systems integrated into the vehicles make it easier for drivers to access financing, as banks can monitor performance data. “This creates a new pathway for young Nigerians to engage in productive self-employment, especially as Uber and Bolt drivers,” she added.

Describing the plant as the result of five years of hard work, investment, and partnerships, Oduwole said SAGLEV embodies the kind of enterprise the federal government’s Nigeria First industrial policy, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is designed to support.

She also test-drove one of SAGLEV’s high-end EV models and praised its energy efficiency.

“These vehicles use up to 80% less power. With upcoming infrastructure like the coastal road project, such innovations could boost national productivity and economic growth,” she stated.

The Minister urged Nigerians to embrace locally made products and praised SAGLEV’s move toward full domestic production. “The company is assembling vehicles through SKD (Semi-Knocked Down) now, with plans to scale up to CKD (Completely Knocked Down) production. That’s how to create jobs and build a competitive economy.”

She acknowledged the challenges facing local investors—ranging from land acquisition to port logistics—but emphasized that supporting such businesses is key to achieving the country’s industrial development goals, including participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

In his remarks, NADDC DG Joseph Osanipin disclosed that the council had developed Nigeria’s first Vehicle Electrification Policy and released a National Occupational Standard for training EV technicians.

“This standard will guide the curriculum for universities, polytechnics, and technical colleges, ensuring we develop the skills needed to maintain and service electric vehicles across Nigeria,” Osanipin said.

SAGLEV chief executive officer, Dr. Gbenga Faleye, also underscored the importance of local assembly, saying it provides practical training opportunities for engineers, technicians, and students.

“It’s more productive to manufacture vehicles here than to import fully built units. Imported cars add no local value. If the government insists on assembling locally, others will follow,” he said. “The business environment is improving, and we’re beginning to see the difference”.

MIKE OCHONMA
EDITOR