- NNEL, a Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) subsidiary, has partnered with Shafa Energies and Nigus International to launch Nigeria’s first Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station.
- At the launch event, NNEL’s Managing Director, Kanayo Odoe, highlighted renewable energy’s economic and environmental benefits, noting that the new charging stations will also power homes.
- Shafa Energies, Nigus International, and the Electric Motor Vehicle Company leaders emphasized the project’s potential to lower energy costs, support local manufacturing, and contribute to environmental sustainability.
NNPC New Energies Limited (NNEL), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has collaborated with Shafa Energies and Nigus International to launch Nigeria’s first Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station.
This is according to a May 24 Thisday Newspaper report. This development, accompanied by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the nationwide development of charging stations, reflects Nigeria’s commitment to embracing renewable energy.
At the launch event in Mabushi, Abuja, on May 23, NNEL’s Managing Director, Kanayo Odoe, emphasized the benefits of renewable energy, highlighting its cost-effectiveness, environmental friendliness, and health benefits. He noted that establishing NNEL signifies NNPC’s dedication to cleaner fuel sources. The new charging stations will not only support EVs but also have the capability to power homes, signalling a broader application of renewable energy solutions.
“This shift towards renewable energy is essential for our future. The environmental and health impacts of fossil fuels are too significant to ignore. Economically, renewable energy is cheaper for our people. Our Group CEO at NNPCL is particularly committed to this cause, leading to the creation of NNEL. We anticipate significant progress in this area, including expanding EV charging stations and solar energy projects across Nigeria”, said Odoe.
Odoe said the charging stations would be distributed throughout the country, leveraging Nigeria’s abundant sunlight. He highlighted the collaboration with partners like Nigus, which will supply the equipment, and AYM Ashafa, whose petrol stations will host the charging units.
Shafa Energies’ Chairman and Chief Executive, Abdulmuminu Maishanu, expressed pride in his company’s role in this project’s pilot phase. He underscored the importance of developing alternatives like electric vehicles and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to mitigate the high costs of traditional fuels.
Malik Ado-Ibrahim, Chairman of Nigus International, shared insights into his company’s extensive experience with energy storage and renewable projects. Operating in 18 countries, Nigus has developed over 1 gigawatt of energy storage, sourcing lithium from Nigerian states like Nasarawa, Niger, and Taraba.
“We have been processing lithium since 2014 and supplying power to countries such as Turkey and the United States. Our vision from a decade ago is becoming a reality through our collaboration with NNPC,” Ado-Ibrahim remarked.
Mustapha Audu, Chief Executive of Electric Motor Vehicle Company (EMVC), a local Nigerian EV firm, highlighted the potential economic benefits of this initiative. Audu also emphasized the importance of supporting local manufacturing to boost the economy, noting that local production currently faces challenges such as higher costs than foreign-sourced materials.
Launching Nigeria’s first EV charging station is pivotal in the country’s energy landscape. By embracing renewable energy, Nigeria aims to address environmental concerns, reduce health risks associated with fossil fuels, and provide more affordable energy solutions for its citizens. This initiative also signals a broader commitment to modernizing the country’s energy infrastructure, with significant economic development and sustainability implications.