Dr. Ezekiel Izuogu was a visionary Nigerian inventor and an accomplished Electrical Engineer who lectured at the Federal Polytechnic Nekede. In 1997, he introduced the world to the Izuogu Z-600, the first African-made car, hailed by the BBC as the “African dream machine.” This groundbreaking vehicle was an emblem of innovation, with 90% of its components sourced locally in Nigeria. Priced at a projected $2,000, the Z-600 had the potential to revolutionize the global automobile market, offering the cheapest and most accessible car on the planet.
The Z-600 was powered by a self-made 1.8L four-cylinder engine that achieved 18 miles per gallon (mpg) and reached a top speed of 140 km/h. Notably, the car was designed with front-wheel drive (FWD) instead of rear-wheel drive (RWD) to reduce fabrication costs, further showcasing Dr. Izuogu’s innovative approach. Mass production was set to commence under Izuogu Motors in Naze, Owerri, signaling the dawn of an industrial revolution in Igbo land and Nigeria at large.
Recognizing the car’s potential, the late General Sani Abacha established a 12-man panel to assess the Z-600’s roadworthiness. After thorough examination, the committee praised the car’s design and recommended minor adjustments. This was a significant achievement, considering that India’s first indigenous car, the Indica, was produced five years later.
During the car’s official unveiling, attended by over 20 foreign ambassadors and thousands of spectators, the Nigerian government, represented by General Oladipo Diya, promised a grant of ₦235 million to support the project. However, despite the grand promises, Dr. Izuogu never received the funds.
In 2006, South African authorities, impressed by the Z-600, invited Dr. Izuogu to present his invention to a panel of top engineers. Following the presentation, they encouraged him to set up a manufacturing plant in South Africa. Though reluctant, Dr. Izuogu considered the offer, mindful of the lost opportunities for his native Naze community.
Tragically, on the 11th of March, 2006, disaster struck. A group of heavily armed men broke into Dr. Izuogu’s factory in Naze. They stole crucial machinery, tools, and the design history notebook of the Z-600, including the essential design files for mass production. The robbers also took molds for various car parts, locally produced engine components, and prototypes, effectively sabotaging the entire project.
The theft was more than just a financial loss; it was a devastating blow to Nigeria’s technological and intellectual progress. Dr. Izuogu estimated that over N1 billion worth of assets, and a decade’s worth of work, were lost in the heist. The incident marked the death of the Izuogu Z-600 dream, and with it, the hope of Nigeria leading an automotive revolution in Africa.
Dr. Ezekiel Izuogu passed away a few years later, on July 18, 2020. His death marked the end of an era for a man whose innovation and determination were thwarted by systemic neglect and unfortunate circumstances. His legacy, however, remains a poignant reminder of the potential that was lost and the dire need for Nigeria to support its homegrown talents.
