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NADDC closes design phase of electric shuttle bus competition, celebrates Nigeria’s future engineers
NADDC closes design phase of electric shuttle bus competition, celebrates Nigeria’s future engineers
The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) has completed the design phase of its pioneering 8-Seater Campus Shuttle Bus Competition.
The momentous ceremony held at the University of Lagos brought together key stakeholders from government, academia, and the industry to celebrate the innovation and ingenuity of future automobile engineers in 12 participating Nigerian universities.
Speaking at the ceremony, Director General at NADDC, Oluwemimo Osanipin,
commended the students and participating institutions for their dedication and vision.
Represented by Engr. Ayinde Abdullahi, Director of the Vehicle Electrification Department at the NADDC, Osanipin said the mission of the competition was not just about building a vehicle; it was to build capacity,
“We are equipping our engineering students with the mindset, skills, and structure needed to thrive in the fast-evolving global mobility sector,” he stated.
The project, launched as part of NADDC’s broader commitment to fostering local innovation and promoting sustainability in the automotive industry, tasked university teams with designing an electric shuttle bus suitable for campus use.
Each university formed multi-disciplinary teams, comprising 20 members—10 of them students— were charged with the task of producing a detailed project management plan document; a feasibility video and accompanying presentation; preliminary and holistic vehicle design files.
“These are not just checkboxes,” Osanipin declared, adding, “They are architectural plans that represent innovation, creative resilience, and future possibilities.”
Five universities that qualified for the final round and made presentations on their designs are Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) Bauchi, Federal University of Technology Owerri, University of Abuja, University of Benin and University of Lagos.
Submissions were assessed by a panel of judges representing academia, government, and the industry—ensuring a balanced evaluation of both technical sophistication and societal impact.
As the design phase draws to a close, NADDC is setting its sights on the next phase: physical development. Selected designs may proceed to construction, testing, and possible deployment across Nigerian university campuses.
“Today, we close the design phase. But tomorrow opens new doors to build, test, refine, and possibly deploy these solutions,” Osanipin said. “To our students: You are no longer just learners; you are leaders in the making.”
The event marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to localize the development of sustainable transport solutions, while empowering the next generation of engineers and innovators.
“To Nigeria: This is just the ignition; our engines of change are ready to run,” the NADDC DG stated.
He added, “May the spark ignited here fuel an entire ecosystem of excellence, sustainability, and mobility—Made in Nigeria, made for the world.”
UNILAG Vice Chancellor, Prof Folasade Ogunsola, represented by Prof Solomon Okunuga, Director of the Research Management Office, expressed appreciation to the council for the initiative and kick-starting an innovation that could launch Nigeria into the globally recognised high-tech nations.
She urged all relevant groups to push forward the worthy outcomes of the design project and ensure adequate funding of the automobile engineering project.
Already, the VC said UNILAG was currently running electric bus shuttle on its campus.
With this initiative, NADDC continues to champion indigenous innovation, encouraging collaboration between academia and industry in driving forward Nigeria’s EV future.
Overall winner of the competition will be unveiled on Friday July 25 at a ceremony to be graced by high-ranking officials such as ministers of Industry Trade and Investment as well as that of Education, the Director-General of NADDC, the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, and the Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos. industry leaders, academia, mentors and students.

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Jetour Targets Abuja Market with X70 PHEV as Nationwide Expansion Gathers Pace
Jetour Targets Abuja Market with X70 PHEV as Nationwide Expansion Gathers Pace
Jetour Nigeria is taking its hybrid SUV offensive to Abuja, with the X70 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) set to headline the three-day Jetour Experience from September 22 to 24 as the automaker accelerates its drive to expand its footprint and capture a larger share of Nigeria’s fast-evolving mobility market.
The Abuja showcase, coming on the heels of a strong Lagos edition that generated significant consumer interest, test drives and sales enquiries, is designed to bring Jetour’s latest technologies closer to customers in the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring states.
The event at Maha Event Centre, Area 8, will give prospective buyers and auto enthusiasts the opportunity to test-drive the X70 PHEV and other Jetour models while interacting with product specialists and experiencing their technology, safety features, performance and comfort firsthand.
According to the company, expanding the showcase to the Federal Capital Territory was a direct response to rising demand from residents in Abuja and neighbouring states.
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To bolster buyer confidence, Jetour Nigeria—the country’s sole authorised distributor—backs the X70 PHEV with a five-year or 150,000-kilometre warranty.
The distributor operates through an accredited nationwide dealer network, including: Elizade Nigeria Limited,
New Era Auto Vehicle Services Limited, Kojo Motors, Germaine Auto Centre, Tab Autos Limited, R.T. Briscoe Motors, and Mandilas Autos.
The X70 PHEV pairs a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine with a 19.43kWh battery and a dedicated hybrid transmission. Designed to balance performance with fuel efficiency, the vehicle supports fast, slow, engine, and regenerative braking charging options—reducing reliance on external charging infrastructure.
Jetour’s rapid growth in the Nigerian market has earned both private and corporate patronage, driven by competitive pricing, high specification levels, and an expanding service footprint. The brand was named “Fastest Growing Auto Brand of the Year” at the 2024 Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) Awards.
With the X70 PHEV leading the Abuja showcase, Jetour aims to deepen customer engagement and consolidate its position in the local automotive market.
Jetour Targets Abuja Market with X70 PHEV as Nationwide Expansion Gathers Pace
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X90 Plus Leads Jetour’s Abuja Drive for Bigger SUV Market Share
X90 Plus Leads Jetour’s Abuja Drive for Bigger SUV Market Share
Jetour Nigeria is taking its premium SUV battle to Abuja, with the seven-seater X90 Plus set to headline the Jetour Experience Abuja from September 22 to 24, as the automaker moves to capture a larger share of Nigeria’s fast-growing high-end family SUV market.
The three-day motoring showcase will give prospective buyers, families and auto enthusiasts in the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring states an opportunity to experience the X90 Plus and other models in the Jetour range through test drives and hands-on demonstrations.
The Abuja showcase follows the success of the brand’s earlier Jetour Experience in Lagos, where strong customer interest, inquiries and sales momentum reportedly encouraged the company to take the initiative to the Federal Capital Territory.
Jetour Nigeria said growing demand from customers in Abuja and neighbouring states was a major factor behind the decision to expand the experience to the northern market.
Positioned as a full-sized family SUV, the X90 Plus is designed for executives and families seeking a combination of space, technology, performance and comfort without the price tag associated with some luxury SUVs.
The model is offered with 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre turbocharged engines paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The powertrain produces up to 254 horsepower and 390Nm of torque.
Inside the cabin, the X90 Plus features a 12.3-inch LCD touchscreen infotainment system, panoramic sunroof, Sony premium audio system and wireless charging.
Its safety and driver-assistance features include a 360-degree panoramic camera, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning and electronic stability systems.
Jetour’s growing profile in Nigeria has also earned the brand recognition from the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA), which named it Fastest Growing Auto Brand, while it was also recognised as Auto Brand of the Year at the Nigeria Transport Lecture.
To support its expanding customer base, Jetour Nigeria, the sole authorised distributor, operates through seven accredited dealer partners across the country: 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 Abuja Experience is expected to provide Jetour with another platform to engage potential customers and reinforce its position in Nigeria’s increasingly competitive SUV market.
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Jetour Takes Award-Winning Dashing, Other SUVs to Abuja
Jetour Takes Award-Winning Dashing, Other SUVs to Abuja
Motorists in Abuja are set for a close encounter with Jetour’s award-winning Dashing and other models as Jetour Nigeria moves to deepen its foothold in the nation’s capital with the Jetour Experience Abuja, beginning September 22.
The three-day motoring event, which runs until September 24, is expected to draw prospective buyers and automobile enthusiasts to a hands-on experience featuring test drives, product demonstrations and direct engagement with Jetour’s seven authorised dealers and product specialists.
The participating dealer network comprises Elizade Nigeria Limited, Kojo Motors, Mandilas Autos, Germaine Auto Centre, R.T. Briscoe, Tab Autos and New Era Auto Vehicle Services Limited.
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The Abuja Experience follows the success of the Lagos edition, which attracted thousands of visitors for test drives and direct engagement with product specialists. According to the organisers, strong demand and inquiries from motorists in Abuja and neighbouring states prompted the expansion of the event to the Federal Capital Territory.
The Dashing has gained attention in Nigeria’s competitive compact SUV segment for its combination of modern styling, technology, performance and competitive pricing.
The SUV is available with 1.5-litre and 1.6-litre turbocharged engines, producing up to 145kW of power and 290Nm of torque, paired with six- or seven-speed dual-clutch transmissions.
Its features include a 15.6-inch central touchscreen infotainment system, panoramic sunroof, wireless charging and smartphone integration.
For safety, the vehicle comes with a 360-degree surround-view camera, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot detection and multiple airbags.
Beyond vehicle sales, the authorised dealers provide warranty, genuine spare parts and after-sales support to Jetour customers across their respective locations.
The Abuja Experience is expected to strengthen customer engagement and give motorists in the FCT a closer look at Jetour’s growing range of vehicles, while further expanding the brand’s footprint in the northern market.
Jetour Takes Award-Winning Dashing, Other SUVs to Abuja
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