Self-taught engineer builds car from scratch, dreams of launching a Nigerian auto factory
When Eze Godday Chukwudi set out to build a car from scratch, many people around him didn't believe it could be done. Today, the self-taught innovator from Enugu State, Nigeria, has a working prototype that has left neighbours and social media audiences equally amazed.
Speaking during a live interview on TikTok with Global South World, Chukwudi shared the remarkable journey behind what he currently calls the "Homemade G-Wagon", a name he says is only temporary as he searches for something more original.
Despite having no formal engineering qualifications, Chukwudi designed and assembled the vehicle himself. The compact car can comfortably seat three people and represents years of experimentation, persistence and problem-solving.
While Nigeria has several licensed vehicle assembly plants, it still relies heavily on imported new and used vehicles to meet local demand. The U.S. International Trade Administration estimates Nigeria's automotive market at around 1.15 million new and used vehicles, with imports continuing to dominate because of affordability challenges and limited local production.
To encourage local manufacturing, the Nigerian government has renewed its National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP), which aims to increase local vehicle production, raise the local content of assembled vehicles to 40%, create jobs across the automotive value chain and support the development of electric vehicle manufacturing.
For Chukwudi, however, one of the biggest challenges has been developing a reliable engine.
According to him, his first engine was made from wood, but it proved too weak to withstand the demands of powering a vehicle. His second version was much stronger, yet it still lacked the power needed for optimal performance.
Now, he is working on what he hopes will be his breakthrough: a more durable and powerful engine. He estimates that building this next-generation engine will cost approximately $600.
Chukwudi told Global South World the project is about much more than building a single vehicle.
His long-term ambition is to establish a car manufacturing factory in Nigeria, producing vehicles designed and built locally. He hopes that with the right support, his prototype can evolve into a commercially viable automobile and inspire more young Africans to pursue innovation, regardless of their educational background.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
