Moses Ayom Advocates for Nigeria as West Africa’s Electric Vehicle Hub

Published By Aisha Rabo On Feb 14, 2025

Moses Ayom Advocates for Nigeria as West Africa’s Electric Vehicle Hub

Ayshatu S. Rabo

Nigeria has the potential to become the electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing and marketing hub of West Africa, according to Moses Ayom, Managing Director of BYD Motors Nigeria. Ayom made this assertion at an exhibition and demonstration forum for BYD Electric Cars, held at the Tukur Buratai Research Centre in Gora, Nasarawa State. Speaking at the event, Ayom highlighted the need for Nigeria to embrace the global shift toward electric mobility.

“BYD stands for ‘Build Your Dream,’ and that is exactly what we aim to do—help Nigeria and Nigerians align with the global trend toward electric vehicles,” he said.

According to Moses, BYD Motors Nigeria has partnered with BYD, a leading Chinese EV manufacturer, to ensure Nigeria does not lag behind in the transition to sustainable transportation. “Eighty-five per cent of cars in China are now electric, with a target to go fully electric by 2030. Our collaboration with BYD is strategic, and we are optimistic that Nigeria will soon take the lead in the West African EV market,” Moses added. The exhibition featured two EV models with impressive capabilities.

The event attracted dignitaries and stakeholders from across Nigeria’s automotive and energy sectors. Sen. Abdulaziz Yari, the Special Guest of Honour, commended BYD Motors for choosing the Tukur Buratai Research Centre as the venue for its demonstration, calling on individuals and corporate bodies to invest in electric vehicle production.

Chairman of the Research Centre, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, acknowledged that cost remains the primary obstacle to widespread EV adoption in Nigeria. However, he expressed confidence that BYD’s entry into the Nigerian market could help address affordability concerns. “Economic realities mean that people are reviewing their spending habits. But we are also becoming more conscious of the environment and the need for alternative energy solutions for our vehicles and homes,” Buratai stated.

He further noted that the research centre values innovation, which motivated its collaboration with BYD Motors to explore ways of making EVs more accessible to Nigerians. BYD Motors Nigeria also showcased the Ketti District, a landmark property development project dubbed “Africa’s First Net-Zero Green City”.

Additionally, furniture items produced in collaboration with the Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) were on display, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable industrial growth.

BYD’s Technical Head, Rhak Argo, noted that the showcased vehicles could travel 510km and 610km on a full charge, which can be completed within eight hours using a home charging kit. “For users on Band A electricity tariffs, a full charge costs roughly N14,000, which could last an entire week,” Argo explained, revealing also that, BYD is considering setting up an EV assembly plant in Nigeria once the brand gains more traction in the market.

Moses Ayom Advocates for Nigeria as West Africa’s Electric Vehicle Hub