By Segun Adeyanju
In a push to transform Nigeria’s automotive landscape, SAGLEV; a joint venture between Nigerian firm Stallion Group and Chinese automaker Sokon has launched the country’s first electric vehicle (EV), assembly plant in Lagos, signaling a potential end to the age-long dominance of imported used cars, popularly known as Tokunbo.
The new facility, which has already begun rolling out locally assembled electric vehicles, aims to disrupt Nigeria’s over ₦1 trillion used-car market by offering clean, efficient, and affordable alternatives to the fuel-powered imports that crowd Nigerian roads.
Speaking at the unveiling of the assembly plant, Stallion Group Chairman Sunil Vaswani said the move was inspired by a desire to align with global trends and Nigeria’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
“We’re not just assembling vehicles, we’re ushering in a new era of clean transportation,” he stated.
With a production capacity designed to serve both domestic and West African markets, SAGLEV plans to manufacture EVs that are tailored to Nigeria’s road conditions and power realities.
The company also intends to establish a network of solar-powered charging stations to address concerns around electricity availability.
Industry experts view the move as timely, considering Nigeria’s increasing fuel costs, environmental concerns, and rising demand for cost-effective mobility options.
The initiative is also expected to create thousands of jobs across the value chain from vehicle assembly and component manufacturing to charging infrastructure and after-sales services.
The government has pledged support for the venture as part of its broader push for industrialisation and green growth.
Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite, described the development as “a clear statement that Nigeria is ready to lead Africa in EV technology.”
As SAGLEV positions itself to drive Nigeria into a future beyond Tokunbo, consumers, investors, and policymakers are watching closely to see if this electric revolution can truly power the nation forward.
