By Esther Ososanya
Onuzurike Oluomachi, a prominent Nigerian entrepreneur and CEO of BO Hair Extension and Accessories, recently made headlines as the first African woman to acquire the futuristic Tesla Cybertruck.
But in a country still grappling with unreliable power, deteriorating roads, and economic hardship, her ₦400 million purchase raises a deeper question: Is this a bold investment—or a stark reminder of Nigeria’s growing inequality?
When photos of Oluomachi—popularly known as Lady B.O.—standing beside her matte-grey Cybertruck surfaced online, they instantly went viral. The admiration was swift and global. She wasn’t just buying a car; she was making history.
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But beyond the celebration lies a sobering reality: What does a ₦400 million electric vehicle truly represent in a country where “light” is a luxury and basic infrastructure is a daily struggle?
What It Really Costs to Own a Cybertruck in Nigeria
Estimates show the total cost of importing and setting up the vehicle ranges between ₦380 million and ₦420 million. That figure includes the car’s base price, shipping, customs duties, and the installation of a solar-powered home charging station.
| Item | Estimated Cost |
| Tesla Cybertruck (Beast Trim) | ₦180M – ₦220M |
| Shipping & Clearance | ₦70M – ₦90M |
| Import Duty & VAT | ₦100M+ |
| Home Charging Station (solar/inverter) | ₦10M – ₦20M |
| Total | ₦380M – ₦420M |
To put it in perspective, that’s the cost of two luxury homes, five thriving small businesses, or enough diesel to power a household for five years.
No power. No policy. No Path.
The barriers to electric vehicle (EV) ownership in Nigeria are steep:
- No public charging stations
- No Tesla-certified support technicians
- No EV-friendly transport policies
- Weak internet infrastructure
- An unstable grid that collapsed six times in 2024 alone
Over 60% of Nigerian homes rely on petrol or diesel generators. There is no national framework for EV adoption. So even if you charge a Cybertruck, can you actually drive it?
Many of Nigeria’s roads are potholed, flooded, or nearly impassable. The Cybertruck’s massive build and sensitive suspension aren’t built for the chaotic gridlock of Lagos or the erosion-prone roads of Abuja. And with no trained EV mechanics locally, any technical fault could ground the vehicle indefinitely.
Power Optics, Not Practicality
Oluomachi’s purchase isn’t about daily utility—it’s a statement of status and ambition. In a society where basic needs remain unmet for many, her Cybertruck signals, “I can”, in a system where most people can’t.
In elite circles, that kind of audacity counts. But it also shines a light on a deeper issue: when power becomes performance, practicality often gets left behind.
As one observer put it, “An electric vehicle in a country without electricity is a metaphor for everything broken in our economy.”
Another added, “She didn’t buy a car—she bought cultural currency.”
A Mirror to Our Economic Divide
Lady B.O.’s Cybertruck is more than a car. It’s a symbol of Nigeria’s two parallel economies: one where the elite live off-grid with imported luxuries and private solutions, and another where over 133 million Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty, struggling to afford food, shelter, and fuel.
Today, many Nigerians spend more on airtime than meals. In that context, a ₦400 million vehicle becomes less about mobility and more about the distance between social classes.
The Bigger Question
Yes, Oluomachi’s move is bold. Yes, her success inspires many. But this conversation is no longer just about her—it’s about all of us.
It’s about what we value. What we reward. And what we choose to showcase.
Until electricity, roads, and innovation work for everyone, a Cybertruck in Nigeria will remain what it is today: A luxury statue in a broken theatre
