BY MIKE OCHONMA
The director-general of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Jelani Aliyu, has called for the introduction of advanced internet-enabled technology across Nigeria’s rural areas.
Aliyu made the call while speaking at the Nigerian-Korean Business Summit on Wednesday in Seoul, South Korea, according to a statement issued by NADDC in Abuja on Friday.
Speaking on the theme “Advanced Technology for a New Nigerian Human Experience“, Aliyu said drones should be deployed for logistics and healthcare, including 100 percent renewable energy mini-grids, and satellite–connected educational networks.
“A majority of our people still live in rural areas and through decentralized development; their lives can be enhanced right where they are so that there is no need for them to migrate to the cities,” Aliyu said.
“Actually, I believe there is a need to introduce super-advanced internet-enabled technology to all our rural areas, drones for logistics and healthcare, 100 percent renewable energy mini-grids, satellite connected educational networks,“ he said.
“With the advanced capabilities in the Korean automotive industry, what can we do together in Nigeria? How do we work together to scale up the production of Nigeria–relevant Electric Vehicles?” he said.
Aliyu said the NADDC has built 18 Automotive training centres across Nigeria, where it can partner with potential Korean companies for training in EV Technology.
He further said that there was an exciting opportunity for Nigeria and Korea to work together through highly efficient hardware and software to enable these super solutions for Nigerians.
“The future is bright, and together our two nations can develop solutions that can be manufactured and deployed in Nigeria to lift millions into abundance, peace and prosperity,” he said.
The DG said NADDC has encouraged and supported both local and multinational automotive companies to start producing EVs in Nigeria.
“As a result of that, Hyundai Nigeria has started the assembly of the Hyundai Kona EV, Jet Systems Motors has deployed the Jet Systems Electric Van, and Max-e has developed an electric motorcycle that has been tested and proven in rural Nigeria,” he said.
