NADDC Unveils Electric Shuttle Bus Competition to Promote Sustainable Mobility

The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) has launched an innovative competition aimed at fostering local talent and promoting sustainable mobility in Nigeria.

The 8-Seater Electric Shuttle Bus Competition, unveiled at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), will see 12 Nigerian universities competing to design and manufacture eco-friendly campus shuttle buses.

The competition, which includes institutions from all six geopolitical zones of the country, is designed to encourage research, creativity, and the use of indigenous materials in automotive development.

NADDC’s Director-General, Mr Joseph Osanipin, emphasised the importance of the initiative, stating that it challenges Nigerian universities to meet global standards in electric vehicle technology while fostering research, innovation, and the use of indigenous materials in vehicle production.

“We want our students to realize that we can achieve what others are doing in places like China and America. This competition is about innovation, sustainability, and proving that Nigeria has the talent and capacity to produce world-class electric vehicles,” Osanipin said.

The Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof. Bola Oboh, lauded the initiative, highlighting its alignment with the university’s sustainability goals. She noted that this project would not only improve research in electric mobility but also position Nigeria as a key player in the future of the global automotive industry.

NADDC has expressed plans to expand the competition in subsequent editions to include polytechnics and technical colleges, ensuring broader participation and a deeper impact. The ultimate goal is to establish a strong foundation for electric vehicle production in Nigeria, reducing the country’s dependence on fossil fuels and contributing to a cleaner environment.

As the universities embark on this groundbreaking challenge, industry experts and stakeholders are optimistic that the competition will pave the way for Nigeria’s advancement in green transportation, fostering innovation and boosting the local automotive industry.

The competition is set to unfold in phases, with assessments based on efficiency, sustainability, and the practical application of electric vehicle technology. The winning university’s prototype will serve as a model for potential mass production, signalling a new era in Nigeria’s automotive sector.