Auto
UNILAG-Nord auto plant set to make drones, inaugurates assembly factory
University of Lagos is set to manufacture drones in addition to assembling of vehicles, providing its engineering lecturers and students the hands-on or practical skills for drones and automobile assembling.
Outgoing Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, disclosed this at the unveiling ceremony of the automobile complex on Thursday, attended by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora.
The auto plant was built by Nord Automobiles and will be operated in partnership with the university.
Ogundipe said, “We are going to be manufacturing drones in this same place. They already have an agreement with the Nigerian Air Force.
“And I want us to know that our students will learn something new in this area of drones and other things that will come from this particular arrangement.”
He expressed optimism that the venture would soon gain international recognition being “the first time that any university in Africa will be having an automobile assembling company in such a way that it will train students, expose staff to practical skills and also make staff to get new cars at affordable prices.”
Ogundipe said the university decided to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Nord Automobiles having found out that it is one of the reputable auto assembling companies in Nigeria and the benefits of having such practical skill-oriented venture within UNILAG.
“I know that the Minister of Education Malam Adamu Adamu, and the Tetfund head have been talking about R&D (Research and Development) for the university. We felt this project is an opportunity for us to have our R&D in the university.
“With that, we entered into an MoU with Nord so that our students can get their training through this platform; the academic staff too can get their exposure through this platform. It is not only the staff in the Faculty of Engineering that will benefit from this, even those in the departments of architecture, finance, marketing and every other department that has relevance to this project.
“This is in line with what the President (Muhammadu Buhari) has been talking about – that there is a need to expose our engineering students to the industry so that they will be able to do well in their areas of interest.”
Speaking on the drone project, Chief Executive Officer of Nord, Mr Oluwatobi Ajayi, said it would offer unique experience and expand the body of knowledge and exposure in a new area in high demand.
“We also have Nord aerospace here. We designed the drones ourselves; nobody can shut us down; no country can shut us down because the software was designed here in Nigeria by young Nigerians,” he said.
The automobile complex at UNILAG, according to him, comprises a research and development centre, a magnificent showroom, a vehicle making/assembling point and an after-sale centre, adding that this will offer massive opportunities that other institutions can copy.
He stressed the need for Nigerians to start making what they use and depend less on imported materials especially vehicles, in order to give a boost to industrialisation efforts and the national economy through jobs creation and improved gross domestic product.
He said, “As a country with our size and GDP, we cannot continue to import what we use. That was the beginning of a new era, where Nigeria gets the value of what they buy.
“Vehicles are more expensive in Nigeria because we don’t make them here.
“We need to have a nationalistic view about things by being industrialised. Europe, United States and China have become powerful today because of their industrial powers.
“And the auto industry is the mother of all industries. It is the industry other industries thrive on – You have to make other components, tyres, metal sheet, semi-conductors, which need other supporting smaller industries, which create jobs, make life better for people. And this increases our GDP.”
Senator Mamora commended Nord and UNILAG for the initiative, noting that the drone making was particularly exciting because it would be needed in the areas of security.
He urged others to take a cue from the partnership, adding that his ministry would partner with the team to ensure the sustainability of the project.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Lola Akande, Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, said the in-campus automobile complex had provided “a hallmark of hope” in Lagos for students and businesses to thrive.
From left: Mr Oluwatobi Ajayi, Chairman/CEO, NORD Automobiles Limited; his wife, Dora; Dr Olorunimbe Mamora, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation; Hon Dr Lola Akande, Hon Commissioner for Commerce, Investment and Cooperative, Lagos State, representing Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, during the unveiling of NORD Automotive Complex on the premises of University of Lagos…on Thursday.
Auto
Abuja Demand Rises as Jetour Brings X70 Plus Experience to FCT
Abuja Demand Rises as Jetour Brings X70 Plus Experience to FCT
Jetour Nigeria is taking its seven-seater X70 Plus SUV to Abuja as rising interest from motorists in the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring states fuels the brand’s latest push to deepen its presence across Nigeria.
The X70 Plus will headline the Jetour Experience Abuja, holding from September 22 to 24 at Maha Event Centre, Area 8, Garki, following the strong response recorded during the Lagos edition, where motorists turned out for test drives and made enquiries about Jetour models.
The Abuja activation is designed to give prospective buyers direct access to the X70 Plus and other models, with opportunities to test-drive the vehicles, engage product specialists and experience their technology, safety and comfort features.
The X70 Plus is positioned as a family-oriented SUV, offering seven-seat capacity and a range of features targeted at customers seeking comfort, technology and practicality.
The SUV is available with 1.5-litre and 1.6-litre turbocharged engine options, with outputs of up to 145kW and 290Nm of torque, paired with a dual-clutch automatic transmission.
READ ALSO:
- Enough Is Enough: Muslim Supporters Demand New Man United Owners
- Stray Bullet Kills 400-Level IBBU Student During Land Dispute in Niger
- Oyo Police: Student Who Died by Suicide Was Charged With Assault, Not ₦8,000 Debt
Its safety equipment includes front, side and curtain airbags, Vehicle Stability Control, Hill-Start Assist, Hill-Descent Control and a 360-degree panoramic camera with 2D and 3D viewing modes. Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems are also available.
Inside the cabin, the X70 Plus features a 10.23-inch LCD touchscreen, dual-zone climate control with air purification, wireless charging, a panoramic sunroof and an eight-speaker audio system.
Jetour Nigeria, the authorised distributor of the brand in the country, currently operates through seven accredited dealers: Elizade Nigeria Limited, Mandilas Autos, R.T. Briscoe Motors, Germaine Auto Centre, Kojo Motors, Tab Autos Limited and New Era Auto Vehicle Services Limited.
The company said the dealer network supports vehicle sales, genuine spare-parts supply and after-sales services across the country.
Jetour has also received recent industry recognition in Nigeria, including Fastest Growing Auto Brand by the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association and Auto Brand of the Year at the Nigeria Transport Lecture and Awards.
The Abuja experience is expected to provide prospective customers in the FCT and surrounding states with direct access to the X70 Plus and other Jetour models as the brand continues its national market expansion.
Abuja Demand Rises as Jetour Brings X70 Plus Experience to FCT
Auto
Jetour Unleashes F700 Hybrid Pickup as Abuja Experience Begins Tuesday
Jetour Unleashes F700 Hybrid Pickup as Abuja Experience Begins Tuesday
Jetour is taking its premium pickup game to Abuja as the automaker prepares to showcase the powerful F700 hybrid pickup at the Jetour Experience Abuja, bringing a blend of electrified performance, luxury and rugged off-road capability to the Federal Capital Territory.
The three-day event, scheduled for September 22 to 24 at Maha Event Centre, Area 8, Garki, comes on the heels of strong reception in Lagos and is expected to draw commercial fleet operators, corporate buyers and luxury pickup enthusiasts keen to experience Jetour’s latest hybrid workhorse.
Following high-impact reception in Lagos, the Abuja activation, which holds at Maha Event Centre, Area 8, Garki, answers massive demand from commercial fleet leaders, corporate buyers, and luxury truck enthusiasts eager for an electrified workhorse built without compromise.
Jetour’s rapid ascendancy as Nigeria’s Fastest Growing Auto Brand and Auto Brand of the Year is backed by nationwide after-sales infrastructure, certified technicians, and genuine parts availability through its authorized dealer network including Elizade Nigeria Limited, New Era AutoVehicle Services, Germaine Auto Centre, Kojo Motors, Mandilas Autos, R.T. Briscoe and
Tab Autos.
The Ultimate Hybrid Powerhouse
Engineered on the heavy-duty platform of Jetour’s G700 luxury SUV, the double-cab F700 redefines utility.
READ ALSO:
- Delta Police Intercept Sienna With Military Uniforms, Suspected Drugs
- Jehovah’s Witnesses Adjust Blood Transfusion Rules, Allow Personal Choice
- Ogun 2027: APC Highlights Adeola’s Projects, Challenges Adebutu
Stretching nearly 5.5 meters, it commands road presence via a high-tensile ladder-frame chassis and independent double-wishbone suspension engineered for punishing industrial demands and refined highway cruising alike.
Under the hood lies the revolutionary Kunpeng Super Hybrid CDM-O powertrain—pairing dual high-output electric drive motors with an onboard turbo petrol generator that seamlessly feeds the battery pack on the fly, eliminating range anxiety entirely.
According to Jetour, an advanced CATL 800V architecture surges the battery from 20% to 80% in just 10 minutes, achieving ultra-fast charging.
The vehicle delivers a monumental combined cruising range of up to 1,300 km on a single charge and tank, and achieves exceptional fuel economy, sipping as low as 1.39 L/100 km.
Conquering Terrain in First-Class Luxury
Engineered for unforgiving terrain, the F700 deploys Jetour’s intelligent XWD all-wheel-drive system governed by front, center, and rear mechanical differential locks.
With 9.5 inches of ground clearance and an imposing 900 mm water-wading capability, the F700 glides through deep water crossings, unpaved construction corridors, and rocky trails effortlessly.
Inside, the cabin abandons utilitarian compromises for bespoke executive refinement, featuring
35.4-inch Panoramic “Sky Screen” dominating the dash architecture.
Also, it features the 15.6-inch Central Command Touchscreen for seamless telematics and vehicle dynamics, Sculpted Luxury Finishes combining aviation-grade acoustic insulation, premium materials, and active driver-assist safety suites.
The three-day Jetour Experience Abuja will feature live technical walkarounds, rugged dynamic tests, and hands-on driving trials at the capital.
Jetour Unleashes F700 Hybrid Pickup as Abuja Experience Begins Tuesday
Auto
26th Abuja Motor Fair: NADDC, BKG Set November 10 Date for Auto Industry Show
26th Abuja Motor Fair: NADDC, BGK Set November 10 Date for Auto Industry Showcase
The National Automotive Design and Development Council and BKG Exhibitions Ltd have unveiled plans for the 26th Abuja International Motor Fair, scheduled to hold from November 10 to 13, 2026, at Eagle Square, Abuja.
The four-day event is expected to bring together major players across the automotive value chain, such as vehicle manufacturers and assemblers, component producers, financial institutions, technology firms, transport operators, logistics companies, development partners, investors and government agencies.
A three-day conference will also feature prominently at the fair, with the theme, “Driving Nigeria’s Automotive Transformation: Policy, Production, and Prosperity.”
A statement on Friday by BKG Exhibitions said the conference would examine key issues shaping the development of Nigeria’s automotive industry, with speakers drawn from various sectors of the industry and related fields.
Chairman of the Organising Committee and Managing Director of BKG Exhibitions, Mr Ifeanyi Agwu, said the conference would feature a keynote address by the Director-General of NADDC, Otunba Joseph Osanipin, alongside presentations and speeches by leading stakeholders in the automotive and transport sectors.
READ ALSO:
- BREAKING: Bloodbath at Pakistan Mosque as Suicide Blast Kills 21, Injures 103
- Xenophobia: FG Brings 33 More Nigerians Home From South Africa
- Falconets Thrash England 3-0, Face Colombia in U-20 World Cup Quarter-Finals
According to him, the fair will provide participants with opportunities to engage industry leaders, investors, government officials and business executives while exploring emerging vehicles, technologies, products and investment opportunities.
Other highlights of the event are the Nigeria Automotive Excellence Awards Night, Abuja Automotive Road Show, Ultimate Test-Drive experience, exotic automobile displays and the Automotive and Future Mobility Arena.
Visitors will also have access to professional advice, technical papers and a showcase of some of Abuja’s finest cuisine.
The Abuja International Motor Fair has, over the years, evolved into one of Nigeria’s major automotive exhibitions and platforms for industry and policy dialogue.
The organisers said this year’s edition would further strengthen the platform’s role in promoting investment, innovation, local production and sustainable growth across Nigeria’s automotive sector.
26th Abuja Motor Fair: NADDC, BGK Set November 10 Date for Auto Industry Showcase
-
News2 days agoECOWAS Biometric Card Expands as Seven Countries Begin Rollout
-
Sports3 days agoBallon d’Or 2026: Mbappe Responds to Yamal’s Bold Claim
-
metro2 days agoFG Suspends Niger NSCDC Commandant As 37 Suspected Illegal Miners Die In Custody
-
Politics2 days agoToyin Abraham Rejects Lagos APC Campaign Council Inclusion
-
International2 days agoNinth Body Discovered in South Africa: Nigeria Issues Urgent Safety Alert to Nationals
-
Politics2 days ago2027: Sowore Says He’d Rather Die Than Travel Abroad For Medical Treatment
-
International2 days agoBREAKING: Bloodbath at Pakistan Mosque as Suicide Blast Kills 21, Injures 103
-
metro1 day agoNiger Miners’ Deaths: Families Demand Compensation, Justice for Victims