By Awwal Umar Kontagora A Chinese company, Wecan, has sought collaboration with the Kebbi State Government to establish an elect...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
A Chinese company, Wecan, has sought collaboration with the Kebbi State Government to establish an electric vehicle assembly plant in the state.
The company’s Country Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Shadi Sabeh, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to Governor Nasir Idris at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi.
"Your Excellency, we are here in Kebbi to seek a partnership with your government to build an assembly plant for electric bikes and electric tricycles, with the potential to scale up to electric vehicles, depending on how the partnership develops," Sabeh said.
He highlighted the numerous benefits of the project, emphasizing the transfer of knowledge and technology from China to Kebbi, as well as its contribution to environmental sustainability.
"Wecan is involved in various activities beyond electric vehicles. We are also exploring the incorporation of a solar manufacturing plant within the assembly facility. That is why we have shipped some of our products from China for your physical inspection," he added.
Sabeh further stated that the project aims to secure the Kebbi State Government’s commitment to purchasing 1,000 electric tricycles, citing similar initiatives in Borno and Sokoto states.
"Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has acquired a significant number of electric vehicles, tricycles, and bikes, but all without an assembly plant. Recently, Sokoto State procured 250 of these products, also without a local assembly facility," he explained.
He emphasized that Wecan’s approach is different, as the company is committed to not only selling electric vehicles in Kebbi but also establishing an assembly plant that would create job opportunities for residents.
"We envision a scenario where Kebbi indigenes will be trained to manage the assembly plant, positioning the state as a hub for electric vehicles—not just in Northern Nigeria, but across the country and as a gateway to West Africa," Sabeh stated.
He expressed confidence that Kebbi could achieve its ambition of becoming a key player in the electric vehicle industry.
In response, Governor Nasir Idris welcomed Wecan’s interest in Kebbi, expressing appreciation for the company’s vision of making the state a hub for electric vehicle assembly in Nigeria and beyond.
The governor assured the delegation of his administration’s readiness to support investors, emphasizing that the government is committed to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
"We have been seeking foreign investors to come to Kebbi, and we will ensure a peaceful and conducive atmosphere for you to operate. Whatever is required from the government, I assure you that we will do it to ensure this partnership becomes a reality," Idris stated.
He also highlighted Kebbi’s rich natural resources, including lithium, gold, copper, iron, and limestone, which could be leveraged for battery production.
"By establishing the plant in Kebbi, Wecan will not have to look elsewhere for raw materials. Let’s expand our discussions so we can determine how best to collaborate. By God's grace, we can achieve great things together," the governor concluded.
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