From the city Maiduguri, Nigeria, a remarkable innovation is taking shape—one that is redefining Africa’s transportation and renewable energy sectors. At the heart of this transformation is Mustapha Abubakar Gajibo, a 31-year-old entrepreneur who, despite dropping out of university, is pioneering Nigeria’s first homemade electric vehicles (EVs).

With the rising cost of fuel, environmental concerns, and unreliable power supply, Gajibo’s innovation could revolutionize public transportation across Nigeria and beyond. His story is not just one of success but of vision, resilience, and groundbreaking innovation in an industry long dominated by international players.

FROM UNIVERSITY DROPOUT TO CLEAN ENERGY CHAMPION

Gajibo’s journey began at the University of Maiduguri, where he was studying mechanical engineering. However, he soon realized that traditional education was limiting his potential. Eager to apply his knowledge in real-world solutions, he made the bold decision to drop out in his third year and pursue his passion for sustainable technology.

Instead of waiting for an opportunity, Gajibo created one. He started working on the conversion of fuel-powered vehicles into electric ones, beginning with small minibuses and tricycles (popularly called “kekes”).

BUILDING AFRICA’S FIRST LOCALLY MADE ELECTRIC BUS

After successfully retrofitting fuel-engine vehicles, Gajibo took an even bigger step—designing and manufacturing Nigeria’s first fully homemade electric bus.

What Makes Gajibo’s Electric Buses Unique?

  1. 65% Locally Sourced Materials – Unlike most EVs that rely on expensive imported components, his buses are built using locally available resources, boosting Nigeria’s automobile industry.
  2. Impressive Range & Speed – The 12-seater bus can travel up to 212 kilometers on a single charge, with a maximum speed of 110 km/h.
  3. Solar-Powered Charging – A major challenge for EV adoption in Nigeria is power supply. To solve this, Gajibo integrated solar charging stations to keep his vehicles running even in areas with poor electricity access.
  4. Energy Efficiency & Cost Savings – The electric buses eliminate fuel costs, making them 70% cheaper to operate than traditional petrol or diesel buses. A full charge costs just $1.50 (about ₦1,500), significantly lower than refueling costs.
  5. Modern Features – His buses include air conditioning and voice command systems, providing a comfortable and tech-driven experience for passengers.

During a recent test run, his fleet of electric buses transported over 35,000 passengers in Maiduguri in just one month—a groundbreaking achievement for Africa’s green mobility movement.

BUILDING INFRASTRUCTURE FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES IN NIGERIA

A key challenge in adopting EVs in Nigeria is the lack of charging stations. To address this, Gajibo and his team at Phoenix Renewables Limited developed a 60-kilowatt-hour solar-powered charging station—a first-of-its-kind initiative in Nigeria.

This charging station:

  • Relies entirely on solar energy – reducing dependence on Nigeria’s unreliable power grid.
  • Ensures round-the-clock availability of clean energy for EV owners.
  • Reduces carbon emissions – making transportation more eco-friendly and sustainable.

With plans to expand these charging stations across major Nigerian cities, Gajibo is laying the foundation for a future dominated by electric vehicles in West Africa.

Government Recognition & Support

Gajibo’s innovations have not gone unnoticed. In 2022, the Borno State Government awarded him ₦20 million (approximately $45,000) for research and development. He was also given a 15,000-square-meter plot of land to build a full-fledged EV manufacturing plant in Maiduguri.

Additionally, the Nigerian government is exploring a partnership with Phoenix Renewables to develop electric patrol vehicles for security agencies, potentially revolutionizing Nigeria’s law enforcement mobility.

EXPANDING BEYOND NIGERIA: A GLOBAL VISION

Gajibo has big plans for expansion. His goal is to deploy 500 electric buses across eight major Nigerian cities within the next year. However, his vision doesn’t stop at Nigeria—he envisions his vehicles operating in global cities like New York, London, and Munich.

To achieve this, he is:

  • Attracting investors to scale up production.
  • Partnering with research institutions for advanced battery technology.
  • Advocating for pro-EV policies to accelerate adoption in Africa.

THE BIGGER PICTURE: A GREEN FUTURE FOR AFRICA

Gajibo’s work is a shining example of homegrown innovation in Africa. In a continent where fuel scarcity, transportation costs, and climate change are major concerns, his electric vehicles offer a practical and sustainable solution.

 

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