A major boost to Nigeria’s automotive and clean mobility sector is underway as Chinese automotive design firm Launch Design Shanghai and Nigerian electric vehicle manufacturer Hybrid Motors Nigeria have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating electric vehicle (EV) production and assembly in the country.
The Chief Executive Officer of Hybrid Motors Nigeria, Jubril Arogundade, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, noting that the collaboration marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s transition toward local EV manufacturing and industrial capacity building.
According to Arogundade, both companies formally signed a strategic cooperation agreement in Shanghai, China, to scale up the production of “Acely”, Hybrid Motors Nigeria’s indigenous electric vehicle brand designed for the local market.
He explained that the agreement will support electric vehicle manufacturing and assembly operations in Lagos and Abuja, while also strengthening Nigeria’s emerging automotive value chain.
“Acely is Hybrid Motors Nigeria’s indigenous electric vehicle brand, designed to meet local mobility needs,” Arogundade said.
He added that the partnership will facilitate technology transfer, workforce training, and gradual development of Nigeria’s electric vehicle supply chain, positioning the country for long-term industrial growth in the EV sector.
Under the agreement, manufacturing operations are expected to be established in Lagos and Abuja, with a combined projected annual production capacity of 70,000 electric vehicle units at full operational maturity.
The Lagos facility, located along the Lekki–Epe corridor, will serve as the primary production hub with an estimated capacity of 50,000 units annually.
The Abuja facility, situated within the Centenary Economic City, will function as both a manufacturing and technology centre, with an annual output capacity of 20,000 units.
The companies said the dual-location model is designed to enhance production efficiency, support regional distribution, and strengthen Nigeria’s industrial footprint in clean mobility manufacturing.
The partnership is also expected to drive significant economic impact through job creation, local capacity development, and reduced dependence on imported vehicles.
According to the companies, the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s broader automotive development strategy and clean transportation transition agenda, while also supporting local industrialisation objectives.
Arogundade emphasized that the collaboration goes beyond commercial interests.
“This partnership is more than a business agreement; it is a commitment to building Nigeria’s automotive future,” he said.
“With Acely, we are proving world-class vehicles that can be designed, engineered, and assembled in Nigeria, by Nigerians, for Nigerians.”
He further noted that the integration of local market knowledge with advanced automotive engineering expertise would ensure that the vehicles meet international standards while remaining suitable for Nigerian roads and consumer needs.
The Chief Executive Officer of Launch Design Shanghai, Wang Xun, described the partnership as transformative for Africa’s automotive landscape.
“Together, we are not just building vehicles, we are building an industry,” Xun said.
At full scale, the partnership is projected to deliver a combined annual output of 70,000 electric vehicles, positioning Nigeria as an emerging hub for EV assembly and manufacturing in West Africa.
Industry analysts note that the initiative could significantly reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported vehicles while accelerating the adoption of clean and sustainable transportation solutions.
