Updated: Nigeria builds first solar-powered vehicle charging station in Sokoto

The Nigeria Automotive Design and Development Council has inaugurated the first 100 per cent solar-powered vehicle charging station in Nigeria.

Director-General of the NADDC, Mr Jelani Aliyu, said at the unveiling in Sokoto on Thursday, “This is the beginning of a new era for Nigeria as it marks the realisation of government’s desire to build sustainable technology in the country.

“Moreover, our vision/mission at the NADDC is not just to enable the production of vehicles in Nigeria but also producing the best and most advanced technology vehicles in the country.”

He said the pilot project was inaugurated at the Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto (UDUS) in collaboration with the institution due to the interest of the university and the peculiar weather of the area needed for the project.

Jelani said, “Today, we have inaugurated the first 100 per cent solar energy powered charging station in Nigeria.

“The reason for choosing Sokoto for the pilot project is in consideration of the harsh weather. However, such weather has become a blessing for us as we can extract and power our homes, offices and even for industrial consumption.”

Aliyu also said the NADDC was partnering three universities in the country, UDUS, the University of Lagos and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, to advance the research work in renewable energy.

“With the current development, Nigeria can power her economy exclusively with renewable energy and by the time that is achieved, the challenges of power will become history in the country,” he stated.

The DG said that it was an opportunity for the institutions to utilise the very best in research to enable them to come up with more advanced technologies in the automotive industry.

Vice Chancellor of UDUS, Prof. Lawal Bilbis, described the inauguration as a historic landmark for the institution, Sokoto State and Nigeria.

Bilbis, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Ibrahim Magawata, said the university would ensure more collaborative measures to enable he NADDC to achieve the desired dreams.

“We are hoping that these collaborations will usher in favourable results to enable Nigerians, even in remote villages, to rely on the gift of nature for energy.”