Thursday, November 6, 2025 - A bill which seeks to establish a comprehensive national framework for the transition to electric vehicles, promote local manufacturing, ensure environmental sustainability, and position Nigeria as a leader in clean energy transportation in Africa, has scaled second reading in the Senate
The piece of legislation, “the Electric Vehicle Transition
and Green Mobility Bill, 2025,” sponsored by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC Abia
North), outlines clear strategies for achieving Nigeria’s transition to
electric mobility through local content development, foreign partnership
regulations, nationwide charging infrastructure, and a coordinated
inter-ministerial framework.
Leading the debate on the general principles of the bill,
Senator Kalu said the proposed law is designed to transform Nigeria’s
automobile and energy sectors by promoting innovation, local assembly, and
environmental protection while creating thousands of jobs across the
manufacturing value chain.
He said: “This bill will help Nigeria move from dependence
on fossil fuels toward a cleaner and sustainable energy system. It will ensure
that our local industries benefit directly from the emerging global electric
vehicle market, create jobs, and reduce emissions in our cities.”
The lawmaker added that the bill provides incentives such as
tax holidays, import duty waivers, toll exemptions, subsidies, and road tax
exemptions for electric vehicle users and investors, while also mandating the
installation of charging points in all fuel stations across the country.
The proposed law, according to him, lay emphasis on local
content compliance, and mandates that all foreign automakers seeking to operate
in Nigeria enter into partnerships with licensed Nigerian assemblers and
establish assembly plants within three years of operation, adding that such
companies must attain at least 30 percent local sourcing of components by 2030.
“Non-compliance attracts strict penalties, including the
suspension of operations and a fine of N250 million per violation.
“Additionally, any unlicensed dealer involved in the
importation or sale of electric vehicles without government authorization would
face a N500 million fine per shipment, alongside confiscation of goods,” he
disclosed.
Contributing, Senator Adamu Aliero (APC Kebbi Central),
stressed the importance of reducing Nigeria’s carbon footprint, especially in
heavily industrialized and traffic-congested cities.
“The world is moving forward, and cities like Lagos and Kano
are already suffering from high carbon emissions. Electric vehicles will
drastically cut down pollution, improve public health, and create a new
industrial ecosystem for Nigeria.
“Instead of exporting lithium, we should process and utilize
it here at home to create jobs and diversify our economy,” Aliero said.
Also, Senator Osita Ngwu (APC Enugu West) emphasized that
the transition to electric vehicles would also help Nigeria address the
long-term dangers of climate change.
“Climate change is already affecting our communities and
agricultural productivity. Embracing clean mobility is part of our national
responsibility to future generations,” he stated.
Senator Titus Zam (APC Benue North-West), argued that
Nigeria could no longer afford to lag behind as many nations across the world
had adopted electric vehicle policies.
“From Europe to Asia and even several African countries, the
electric vehicle revolution has already taken shape. Nigeria must not be left
behind if we hope to remain competitive and relevant,” Zam said.
In his
remarks, the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio commended
Senator Kalu for his vision and described the Bill as a forward-looking
legislative initiative that aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s economic
diversification agenda and global energy transition trends.
“This
bill represents an important step toward sustainable industrial growth and
environmental responsibility. Nigeria must prepare for the future of
transportation and energy,” he said.
The
Senate President later referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Industry
for further legislative scrutiny and is expected to report back within four
weeks.
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