Dangote Sinotruk West Africa Limited has unveiled its first locally assembled electric commercial trucks in Lagos, marking a new phase in Nigeria’s automotive manufacturing industry and efforts to promote cleaner transportation.
The Vice-President of Dangote Group, Devakumar Edwin, disclosed this at the rollout ceremony in Lagos on Sunday, describing the introduction of electric commercial vehicles as another milestone in the company’s drive to bring advanced automotive technology into Nigeria.
Edwin said the joint venture was established to develop a world-class commercial vehicle business, strengthen local assembly capacity, create jobs and contribute to Nigeria’s economic development.
He said the company had expanded its product range from heavy-duty trucks to tippers, light trucks, pickups and buses to meet the country’s growing transportation needs.
“The introduction of electric vehicles follows the company’s earlier adoption of compressed natural gas technology as part of efforts to embrace more sustainable transportation solutions,” he said.
Edwin noted that electric commercial vehicles could offer opportunities to reduce operating costs and tailpipe emissions, depending on electricity costs, vehicle applications and the availability of charging infrastructure.
He, however, acknowledged that widespread adoption would require reliable charging facilities, technical expertise, spare parts and efficient after-sales support.
“We are already getting ready with a strong after-sales support. We have set up our team, and we are also going to support in terms of charging facilities and other technical expertise required,” he said.
He said the company would work with partners, customers and government stakeholders to develop Nigeria’s electric vehicle ecosystem.
Edwin added that Dangote Group aimed to develop Dangote Sinotruk into one of West Africa’s leading automotive assembly and manufacturing businesses.
According to him, the partnership would strengthen local assembly, facilitate technology transfer, develop Nigerian technical talent, increase local value addition and create employment opportunities.
He expressed confidence that Nigeria could become a regional hub for commercial vehicle manufacturing, citing its large market, industrial base and entrepreneurial capacity.
President of Sinotruk Group, Liu Wei, described the rollout as a historic milestone, saying the vehicle was the first new-energy truck to be assembled on the African continent.
Liu said the development demonstrated the commitment of the joint venture between Dangote Group and Sinotruk to advancing Africa’s industrialisation and supporting Nigeria’s transition to cleaner energy.
He said the partnership began in 2013 and formally established a joint venture in 2014, evolving from vehicle assembly to more advanced manufacturing operations.
According to him, the joint venture assembled its first heavy-duty truck in 2017, while its commercial vehicle welding and eco-coating paint line commenced operations in 2024.
Liu said the company had assembled more than 8,000 vehicles locally over the past decade.
He added that the partnership would continue to upgrade its production lines, expand manufacturing capacity and strengthen local technical expertise to serve Nigeria and the wider West African market.
He said the company also planned to expand its product range to include heavy-duty trucks, light trucks, pickups, trailers and vehicle body-building.
The Sinotruk president pledged increased training opportunities for Nigerian engineers and technicians, including practical training programmes in China.
Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, represented by the Managing Director of Lagos Bus Services, Olasunkanmi Ojowuro, described the rollout as a significant development in Nigeria’s industrial history.
He said local assembly of electric trucks could help reduce emissions, lower long-term transportation costs and equip Nigerian engineers and technicians with skills in electric vehicle technology.
According to him, the initiative could also strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to develop a competitive automotive and battery manufacturing industry.
He commended Dangote Group for its investment and called for more private-sector initiatives to advance sustainable transportation and industrial development.
The Ologba of Ogba Kingdom, Oba Latif Egbeyemi, also commended Dangote Group for investing in cleaner transportation technology, describing the initiative as a bold step towards sustainable industrial development.
Egbeyemi urged the company to prioritise local content, professional training and the development of Nigerian engineers and technicians.
He called for stronger engagement with the host community through corporate social responsibility initiatives, environmental protection and youth empowerment.
The traditional ruler also urged the government and relevant regulatory agencies to provide supportive policies and infrastructure, including reliable electricity, charging facilities, appropriate standards and incentives for local manufacturing and assembly.
Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Akeem Dauda, said the development was a source of pride to the council, noting that the investment further reinforced Ikeja’s position as a centre of commerce, industry, technology and enterprise.
Dauda commended Dangote Group’s commitment to industrialisation, job creation and local capacity development.
He said the electric truck rollout offered opportunities for employment, skills acquisition, technology transfer and business growth within Ikeja and beyond.
He reaffirmed the council’s commitment to supporting investments through an enabling business environment, improved infrastructure and partnerships that deliver economic benefits to residents.
Dauda said collaboration between government and the private sector remained essential to achieving sustainable economic development.
