Author: Gist Correspondent

Indigenous automobile manufacturer, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company (IVM), has urged the Federal Government to review import duties on electric vehicle (EV) components, warning that the current tariff regime is hampering local production and discouraging investment in Nigeria's emerging electric mobility industry.

The company made the appeal during a visit by a delegation from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi Branch, led by its Chairman, Dr. Adaora Chukwudozie, to Innoson's manufacturing facility under MAN's Industrial Energy Adoption Programme.

During the visit, Innoson expressed concern that while concessions have been granted for the importation of fully built electric vehicles, components needed by local manufacturers continue to attract import duties, making domestic production more expensive.

The company argued that the policy places indigenous manufacturers at a competitive disadvantage and called on the government to align its tariff regime with its local content and industrialisation agenda.

According to Innoson, Nigeria should not encourage the importation of finished electric vehicles at the expense of companies investing in local manufacturing capacity.

Responding, MAN Chairman, Dr. Chukwudozie, said the country's transition to electric mobility should promote local manufacturing, create jobs, encourage technology transfer and attract investment.

She stressed that manufacturers producing electric vehicles locally deserve policy support, warning that it would be counterproductive if importing finished EVs became more attractive than importing components for local assembly.

The MAN delegation, which included officials of MAN Power Development Company Limited (MPDCL), renewable energy financier Empower New Energy and engineering partner Paras Energy & Natural Resources Development Limited, also inspected Innoson's electric vehicle production facilities.

As part of the programme, the delegation visited Juddy-Bolema Industries Limited and Cutix Plc to advance discussions on renewable energy solutions aimed at reducing operating costs, improving power supply and strengthening sustainability.

Chukwudozie said the increasing interest in renewable energy among manufacturers showed the sector's readiness to embrace cleaner energy, but noted that supportive government policies were essential for such investments to thrive.

She added that Nigeria's transition to a green economy should also serve as a catalyst for expanding local manufacturing, creating jobs and driving technological development.