On Thursday, the Federal Government of Nigeria commissioned a hybrid electric vehicle (EV) charging station at the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) headquarters in Abuja. Key dignitaries, including the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, and other director generals, attended the event.
The facility is designed to operate sustainably using solar photovoltaic (PV) power and the national grid. It boasts a five-kilowatt solar power system, a 10-kilowatt lithium battery, and an eight-kVA intelligent inverter.
This setup ensures efficient and reliable charging for electric vehicles. According to Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, Director-General of ECN, the station aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s local content policy, which aims to leverage locally sourced lithium for battery production in Nigeria. Abdullahi stated, “This project is in line with the presidential declaration on climate change and Nigeria’s clean energy policy.”
The hybrid charging station can fully charge an EV within 30 minutes and simultaneously charge up to four vehicles. Abdullahi emphasised that this project supports Nigeria’s climate change commitments and transition toward a low-carbon economy by reducing reliance on fossil fuels in transportation.
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Commissioning of EV charging station
The commissioning ceremony also highlighted the collaborative efforts behind the project. Dr Abdullahi expressed gratitude to ECN’s technical partner, the Electric Motor Vehicle Company—Nigeria’s first EV manufacturer—led by Mr Audu Mustapha.
He commended their role in driving innovation and supporting ECN’s contributions to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Abdullahi further acknowledged the support of Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji and ECN staff for their dedication to advancing clean energy initiatives. He remarked that this project represents a bold step toward sustainable energy solutions for Nigeria.
The hybrid charging station, offering convenient and fast charging capabilities, is expected to boost confidence among Nigerians considering EV ownership. Abdullahi concluded that this development symbolises Nigeria’s commitment to innovative energy systems that will drive its transition to cleaner transportation solutions.