From Kenneth Udeh, Abuja
The Nigerian Senate, on Tuesday, took a major legislative stride toward a cleaner and more sustainable transport future as the Electric Vehicle Transition and Green Mobility Bill, 2025, sponsored by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, passed its first reading during plenary presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The Bill aims to establish a robust legal and policy framework to guide Nigeria’s gradual shift from fossil fuel-powered vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs), while fostering local manufacturing, technological innovation, job creation, and environmental protection.
According to Kalu, the initiative is not just about aligning with global climate goals, but also about unlocking new economic opportunities for Nigeria.
“This Bill is designed to position Nigeria as a regional leader in clean energy transportation while boosting industrial capacity,” Kalu stated.
Details of the legislation made available to The Sun highlighted its wider ambitions beyond curbing carbon emissions.
It proposes a transformative pathway that includes expanding local EV manufacturing, integrating renewable energy into transport systems, and building nationwide charging infrastructure.
“This is not just about reducing emissions,” Kalu added. “It’s about creating thousands of jobs, driving local innovation, and ensuring Nigeria does not lag behind in the global shift towards electric mobility.”
Key targets of the proposed legislation include:Developing a network of EV charging stations across the country; Introducing incentives to drive adoption among private individuals, businesses, and public agencies; Creating employment across the entire EV value chain; and Promoting Nigeria as a hub for clean transport in West Africa.
One of the Bill’s most groundbreaking provisions is its strict local content requirements for foreign automakers looking to operate in Nigeria. It stipulates that any foreign company intending to import, sell, or distribute EVs must partner with a licensed Nigerian assembler.
Additionally, such companies will be required to establish local assembly plants within three years of commencing operations and must attain at least 30 per cent local sourcing of components by 2030. Violations could lead to severe penalties, including suspension of operations and fines exceeding one million naira.
If enacted, the Electric Vehicle Transition and Green Mobility Act would set a new standard for Nigeria’s transport sector, aligning the country with global efforts to tackle climate change while fostering a self-sufficient, innovation-driven economy.
The Bill is expected to undergo further scrutiny in subsequent readings, but it has already been hailed by environmental advocates and industrial stakeholders as a long-overdue leap toward a greener and more economically resilient Nigeria.