Nigeria is taking a bold step toward a greener future as the Senate advances the Electric Vehicle Transition and Green Mobility Bill, sponsored by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu. The legislation, which has just passed its second reading, signals an ambitious push to revolutionise the country’s automotive landscape—pivoting from dependence on fossil fuels to the domestic production and adoption of electric vehicles (EVs).
As reported by Channels TV and TVC News, the bill adopts a firm “carrot and stick” strategy. Its most striking provision would compel every petrol station in Nigeria—whether a major chain in Lagos or a small outlet in a rural village—to install an EV charging point. It’s an audacious move that aims to redefine the nation’s energy infrastructure and hasten Nigeria’s transition to clean mobility.
Passing the second reading marks a significant milestone, as it indicates the Senate’s agreement in principle to the bill’s objectives. However, the ambition extends far beyond environmental benefits. Lawmakers emphasised that Nigeria’s participation in the $1.5 trillion global EV market is the real prize.
Senator Kalu and his supporters argue that Nigeria possesses the raw materials—lithium, nickel, and skilled labour - to manufacture electric vehicles locally rather than merely exporting resources. The proposed legislation seeks to make that shift inevitable.
To win local support, the bill offers generous incentives such as tax holidays, import duty waivers for EV components, toll exemptions, and subsidies for both consumers and investors in charging infrastructure.
But it also takes a tough stance with foreign automakers. Brands like Toyota and Honda would be required to partner with Nigerian assemblers, establish local EV assembly plants within three years, and source at least 30 per cent of their components locally. Failure to comply would attract fines of ₦250 million per infraction, while unlicensed importers could face penalties of ₦500 million and forfeiture of their goods.
The message is unmistakable: any company wishing to access Nigeria’s market of over 200 million people must invest in local EV manufacturing.
However, the proposal faces major practical challenges. Ethiopia’s experience offers a cautionary tale. In 2024, the East African nation banned the import of petrol-powered vehicles to accelerate EV adoption—but progress has been sluggish. High vehicle costs, limited charging infrastructure (reportedly only about 100 stations nationwide), and an unreliable power grid have slowed the transition.
Nigeria risks similar pitfalls. While the mandate for charging stations at every fuel outlet could solve the “chicken-and-egg” dilemma of EV adoption, it also raises questions about feasibility in a country still grappling with erratic electricity supply.
The move aligns with broader national ambitions, including the Nigerian Railway Corporation’s recently unveiled five-year plan to transition to electric-powered trains. Yet, the vision of an electrified transport system contrasts sharply with the country’s ongoing struggle to provide stable power for homes and industries.
The Electric Vehicle Transition and Green Mobility Bill now heads to the Senate Committee on Industry for detailed review within four weeks. As deliberations continue, lobbyists representing auto importers and petrol station owners are expected to challenge several of its more stringent provisions.
Nigeria’s electric future may be on the horizon but whether it can overcome the realities of its power and industrial limitations remains to be seen.
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