Auto Boss: Meet Kenneth Ukpabia, the founder who turned petrol pain to electric gain

When Nigeria scrapped its fuel subsidy in 2023, petrol prices more than doubled. For most Nigerians, it meant higher transport costs and tighter household budgets. For Kenneth Ukpabia, it was the spark that set him on a new path.

Today, Ukpabia is the CEO of Orbit Electric Automobile Limited, a Lagos-based startup assembling electric motorcycles and tricycles for Nigeria’s crowded streets. In just two years, the company has emerged as one of the few champions of last-mile electric mobility in Africa’s biggest economy.

“The fuel subsidy removal was a wake-up call,” Ukpabia said in an interview. “People were spending more on petrol than food. I knew it was time to find a solution.”

Affordable EVs for everyday Nigerians

With over 250 million people and a rapidly growing delivery sector, Nigeria offers a vast market for low-cost mobility. Orbit’s flagship product, the CF-1 electric motorcycle, is priced at around $1,300. But Ukpabia says the company plans to slash the cost to $1,000 within the next year.

“We are focusing on delivery bikes because logistics is exploding in Lagos,” he said. “If a rider can save on fuel every day, the bike pays for itself in months.”

Industry data shows that Nigerian riders spend an average of ₦15,000 ($10) daily on petrol. By switching to an electric bike, monthly savings could exceed ₦300,000 ($200). That’s a powerful incentive for low-income earners.

Tackling misconceptions and building trust

One of the biggest hurdles for EV adoption is perception. Many Nigerians see electric vehicles as expensive luxuries. Ukpabia argues that this view ignores the long-term math. “Yes, the upfront cost is higher,” he admitted. “But once you stop buying fuel, you realise you’ve made the smarter choice. This is about shifting the mindset.”

Orbit also builds trust by assembling bikes locally and training roadside mechanics to handle repairs. Spare parts are supplied through partnerships with local dealers, ensuring riders are never stranded.

Policy shifts and private push

Government support has been limited but is growing. Federal and state authorities have begun acquiring electric buses for public transport. A bill to reduce import duties on EV components is also under review.

Charging infrastructure, meanwhile, is largely left to the private sector. Orbit provides each buyer with a home charger, while batteries deliver up to 120 km on a dual-pack. “We designed it to fit Lagos life,” Ukpabia said. “Charge at home, ride all day, and save money.”

Global supply, local growth

Orbit imports most of its components from China and India, where costs are lower and quality is reliable. But Nigeria’s government requires local content in assembly. Orbit already sources tires locally and plans to raise its domestic component use to 50% within two years.

“Why import tires when Nigeria makes them?” Ukpabia asked. “Local sourcing cuts costs and creates jobs. That’s how we’ll grow a real industry here.”

The road ahead

Demand is already high, with most shipments sold out before they arrive. Expansion beyond Lagos is in the works, but Ukpabia says the company is focused on scaling sustainably.

“Nigeria is still in the infant stage of e-mobility,” he said. “But awareness is rising, policy is improving, and the economics are on our side. If we keep solving problems step by step, two-wheel EVs can change urban transport in Africa.”

For millions struggling with rising fuel costs, that change can’t come soon enough.

Read more on How Orbit is building Nigeria’s EV future, one bike at a time