The Nigerian Senate has made a bold move toward a cleaner, more sustainable future by passing a bill aimed at establishing a comprehensive framework for the country’s electric vehicle (EV) sector.
The proposed legislation marks a major policy shift as Nigeria seeks to align with global commitments to reduce carbon emissions and diversify its economy through green technology.
Formally titled “A Bill for an Act to Establish a Comprehensive Framework for the Transition to Electric Vehicles in Nigeria, Promote Local Manufacturing, Ensure Environmental Sustainability and Drive Economic Growth; and for Related Matters, 2025,” the bill passed its second reading on Wednesday and now heads to the Senate Committee on Industry for further legislative scrutiny. The committee is expected to submit its report within four weeks.
The bill’s sponsor, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC, Abia North), said the initiative was long overdue, stressing that Nigeria must not be left behind as the world rapidly transitions to electric mobility. He noted that the global electric vehicle market projected to exceed $1.5 trillion by 2030 presents a huge economic opportunity for Nigeria, especially given its rich mineral deposits such as lithium and nickel, which are vital for EV battery production.
Kalu explained that the legislation is designed to encourage local manufacturing, attract foreign and domestic investment, and stimulate research and innovation in the country’s nascent EV industry. He also emphasized that transitioning to electric mobility could drastically reduce the nation’s dependence on imported fuel, improve air quality, and help Nigeria meet its climate change targets under international agreements like the Paris Accord.
The senator highlighted that Nigeria’s transportation sector, which operates over 12 million vehicles mostly powered by petrol or diesel contributes about 25–30% of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions. He argued that the shift to electric vehicles would not only cut emissions but also create jobs, promote industrial growth, and enhance the country’s energy security.
This development follows previous federal efforts to promote clean energy adoption. In recent years, the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) launched pilot EV charging stations in universities such as Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, and University of Lagos, signaling early government interest in green mobility. Similarly, Nigerian automakers like Jet Motors, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM), and Silicon Valley–backed companies have begun exploring electric vehicle production and assembly.
Observers say the Senate’s latest move could accelerate these early initiatives by providing the legal and regulatory backbone needed to build a viable EV ecosystem from charging infrastructure and battery recycling to tax incentives for manufacturers and consumers.
If passed into law, the bill could place Nigeria among the few African nations taking concrete legislative steps toward sustainable transport, alongside South Africa, Kenya, and Rwanda countries already investing heavily in EV infrastructure and policy development.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who commended the bill’s intent, reaffirmed the National Assembly’s support for policies that drive industrial growth while protecting the environment. The proposed law, he said, represents “a crucial stride toward modernizing Nigeria’s transport sector and positioning the country for a green economic future.”
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