Electric cars is the future in automobile, and Reps advised FG to adequately fund institutions involved in research in its production
By Anthony Musa, Abuja
Nigeria’s House of Representatives has asked the Federal Government to make more funds available for research into made in Nigeria electric cars.
The House also asked the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) to design a workable plan on how to produce electric cars in commercial quantities in Nigeria, using homegrown human capital.
In a resolution following a motion by Rep. Babajimi Benson, the House said the government should adequately fund institutions involved in research in the production of electric and solar cars and engage stakeholders with a view to designing a 10–Year Action Plan to improve the research capabilities of Nigeria’s tertiary institutions with the intent to improve the automobile industry.
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Leading the debate on a motion, Rep. Benson informed the House of the recent success recorded by the Faculty of Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) with the unveiling of its first five-seater electric car, Christened Lion Ozumba 551.
He said the car, which is said to be part of the drive to accord innovation and technology attention in the institution was made with 80 per cent locally–sourced materials and can cover a 30–kilometre distance when fully charged.
He recalled that in 2014, an undergraduate of the Faculty of Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Segun Oyeyiola converted a Volkswagen Beetle into the wind and a solar-powered car.
Benson said given the wanton environmental pollution and renewed campaign for a greener source of energy and transportation, any vehicle that is environmentally friendly and doesn’t emit toxic gasses should be encouraged.
He argued that tertiary institutions are essential for the discovery, proper dissemination and application of knowledge and countries that prioritize research are usually more equipped to deal with new challenges and
technological advances.
He expressed appreciation for the tenacity of tertiary institutions in Nigeria and high flying students who have, against all odds, continued to push the limits to ensure Nigeria competes favourably with other developed economies, adding that research remains an essential part of economic and sustainable development and if tertiary institutions in the country are adequately funded, it could result in an industrial revolution for the country.