Luckin partners METS, appoints Johnson Nigeria sales rep

Luckin Innovation Technology Co. Limited, under the leadership of CEO Wang Licai, has appointed Amb. (Dr.) Olakunle Johnson as its official representative in Nigeria. This move is part of the company’s strategic push to advance innovation and sustainable mobility across the country.

The appointment, announced by Luckin’s Overseas Sales Director, Angela Xie, signals a major step forward in the company’s expansion into the African market.

Ambassador Johnson, an accomplished entrepreneur and president of multiple strategic initiatives—including the MATAN Food Bank Foundation, the Automated MATAN Food Security Initiative, and MATAN Group Investments—will take on several key responsibilities. These include overseeing Luckin’s sales operations in Nigeria, coordinating the establishment of a local assembly plant, and setting up a dedicated showroom for the company’s electric vehicle (EV) products.

This appointment comes as part of a broader strategic partnership with Matan e-Transportation System (METS), a flagship project under the MFBF Group Projects, which aims to revolutionize Nigeria’s transportation landscape through electric mobility solutions.

Through this collaboration, METS and Luckin intend to drive Nigeria’s transition to clean mobility. METS will serve as the platform for introducing cutting-edge electric vehicles into the Nigerian market, backed by Luckin’s advanced EV technology and infrastructure expertise.

The initiative will involve the deployment of electric cars, tuk-tuks, and two-wheelers, all powered by solar energy and high-performance battery systems. To facilitate widespread adoption, both parties will work together to develop a nationwide network of solar-powered charging stations, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and encouraging the use of renewable energy.

As part of Ambassador Johnson’s mandate, he will oversee the creation of a local assembly plant to enable domestic production of electric vehicles. This is expected to significantly lower import costs, create jobs, and stimulate Nigeria’s industrial development.

In an ambitious step toward inclusive economic growth, MFBF has also announced plans to acquire 10,000 electric vehicles. These vehicles will be deployed to support community farming and food distribution logistics, transporting agricultural produce from farms to food banks as part of ongoing free food distribution programmes targeting vulnerable communities across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.

To ensure efficient operations, the initiative will include digital training programmes for “feeding marshals,” equipping them with the skills needed to manage distribution and logistics effectively. This effort aligns with broader goals to combat food insecurity and foster rural development.

Beyond reducing carbon emissions and promoting energy efficiency, the METS project is projected to generate employment across the EV value chain—from manufacturing and maintenance to infrastructure development and training—supporting Nigeria’s vision for a greener economy and contributing to global climate action commitments.

Commenting on his new role, Ambassador Johnson expressed his dedication to driving innovative solutions that empower communities and establish Nigeria as a leader in clean, smart mobility.

“Our goal is to make sustainable transportation accessible, affordable, and impactful. With the support of Luckin Innovation, we are laying the foundation for a cleaner, more resilient future,” he said.