- Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai pushes for adopting electric vehicles (EVs), hosting an exhibition by BYD Motors.
- BYD Motors plans to establish an EV assembly plant in Nigeria, showcasing models with a 500-600km range per charge.
- Buratai’s research centre positions Nigeria as a leader in the West African EV market, highlighting sustainable development projects.
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai (Rtd) reaffirmed his commitment to advancing Nigeria’s technology and environmental sectors. During an exhibition by BYD Motors, a leading EV manufacturer, he urged the need to address cost barriers to electric vehicle (EV) adoption.
The event at the Tukur Buratai Research Centre in Gora highlighted BYD’s plans for Nigeria’s EV sector. Buratai emphasised Nigeria’s readiness for sustainable mobility: “We are more conscious of the environment and now explore alternative ways to power our vehicles and homes.”
BYD Motors displayed two EV models, each offering 500km and 600km driving ranges per charge. Both models come with home charging kits that fully charge within eight hours. BYD’s Technical Head, Mr. Rhak Argo, estimated a full charge cost of around N14,000 for a week’s travel.
Senator Abdulaziz Yari, the special guest of honour, praised Buratai’s leadership and contributions to national development. He credited Buratai for laying the foundation for the fight against banditry in Zamfara State. “The successes in combating banditry today stem from the foundation General Tukur Buratai established,” Yari remarked.
The exhibition also included the Ketti District property development project, marketed as “Africa’s First Net-Zero Green City,” alongside a furniture display in partnership with the Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA).
BYD Motors Nigeria Managing Director Mr. Moses Ayom reiterated the company’s goal to make Nigeria a hub for electric vehicles in West Africa. “BYD stands for ‘Build Your Dream,’ and our mission focuses on helping Nigeria embrace electric mobility,” Ayom stated. He noted that 85% of vehicles in China are already electric, and the target is for full EV adoption by 2030.
With plans to establish an EV assembly plant in Nigeria, BYD Motors’ partnership with Buratai’s research centre strengthens Nigeria’s push to lead the electric vehicle market in the region.