By Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
All over the world, traction around electric vehicles (EVs) is growing daily as a cleaner alternative to traditional fuel-powered cars, promising to reduce carbon emissions and save cost in the long run.
Despite the current yearning for a cheaper alternative fuel source in Nigeria since the removal of subsidy that made the price of the product skyrocket, the conversation around EV adoption still remains a controversy. While some hail it as the future of transportation, others see it as an unrealistic dream.
The issue of epileptic power supply, crippling import costs, and inadequate infrastructure, among others, make many question whether the country is truly ready for the EV revolution, or if it is just hype. If there is real hope, or if these vehicles are a mere fantasy in the nation’s current reality.
Nigeria has an ambitious plan to achieve 30% locally produced electric vehicles and 40% local content in vehicle manufacturing by 2033. This initiative is part of the country’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060, as outlined in the Nigeria Energy Transition Plan (ETP).
No doubt, the country has made some strides toward EV adoption. The government, through the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), has expressed commitment to electric mobility. For instance, the recent introduction of locally assembled EVs, such as New Electric Vehicles (NEV) NEVT6 Bus, signals a willingness to embrace change.
Additionally, some private players, including Stallion Group and Hyundai Nigeria, have introduced electric cars into the market. The Lagos State government also recently launched its first set of electric buses, fueling optimism that Nigeria could join the global EV race. However, while these moves generate excitement, the question remains whether they are practical for the average citizen.
Restating the government’s commitment at a function recently, Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, said that the country is very much prepared for mass deployment of electric vehicles. According to him, Nigeria has an abundance of the lithium needed to produce batteries for the vehicles locally.
Similarly, Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, John Enoh, acknowledged the skepticism surrounding EV in Nigeria but stressed that the future of transportation is electric, sustainable, and locally driven. Despite these assurances, skepticism persists with many still believing hat the country is far from being ready for mass deployment of EVs.
Experts have emphasised the need for a well-structured framework to support the transition. While EVs offer environmental and economic benefits, they argue that without strong policies, infrastructure development, and public awareness, large-scale adoption may remain unrealistic.
According to Engr Abdullahi Hashim, the CEO/MD of Cubical Vertex Solutions Limit, “the country needs a comprehensive framework to support the transition of this electric mobility. Before you bring anything on ground, there should be a framework and policies that will guide the new innovation globally. “
Hashim added that regulatory guidance as well as public awareness are critical for boosting the adoption of EV. “People should know it because it’s a foreign thing for Nigeria, even though it’s a global trend, people have a lot of videos about it. But there should be public awareness,” he stated.
He further advocated tax incentive to make it more affordable, saying: “lf they want to make it accessible to all people, they should waive taxes for all these EVs so that they will get easily imported into the country and for easy accessibility to other people.”
Hashim added that beyond policy, the availability of necessary infrastructure, such as a nationwide network of charging stations is critical. He argued that just as petrol stations are widely available, a similar model must be adopted for EVs to ensure convenience and usability.
He also pointed out the conditions of the country’s road system and inadequate technical know-how as part of impediments to the innovation.
He said: “The bumpy nature of our roads can actually damage batteries and other electrical components of the car. The roads should be managed well if they want to introduce such.
“Another thing is that we need technical know-how in mechanics. Do we have any electric vehicle mechanics? If you bring those cars here and there is nobody to repair them, they will just be dumped.”
For Tochukwu Ebelechi, a car owner residing in Abuja, one of the biggest obstacles to EV adoption in Nigeria is the country’s inconsistent power supply.
“For now, I do not think we have the required infrastructure to deploy electric vehicles, but if the government can stabilize power it will be very nice because electric vehicles will help to reduce so many costs. So I think introducing it to the country is a good idea but the government should come in to see how they can stabilize the power system. Because without power, I do not think it will be effective,” Ebelechi opined.
For Oluwatosin Ibiwoye, National Deputy President of the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), cost is another significant factor. With some EVs priced as high as N25 million to N30 million, Ibiwoye said that affordability remains a major barrier, particularly for commercial drivers.
She said: “Our members, as much as we would want to go for it, the cost of the vehicle is alarming. Imagine purchasing a vehicle for N30 million or N25 million, only to carry passengers for just N2,000 per trip. On top of that, we have to pay different commission rates, sometimes as high as 25%, depending on the platform.
“Assuming we take a 25% commission, pay the government N1,000, and end up with N15,000, we still have to factor in the cost of charging the vehicle, which could take up to 24 hours. I’m not even sure how much charging will cost yet, but by the time all expenses are deducted, there is barely anything left. It simply does not make sense.
“Even with petrol or CNG cars, profitability is already a challenge. For instance, my own car now costs N11 million, and recovering that amount through daily operations takes a long time. If low-cost cars are barely profitable, how much more for vehicles that are this expensive?
“I honestly do not think we are ready for this yet. However, if the government is willing to support the companies bringing in these vehicles, and it is not going to be too hard on our people. Why not? We can give it a try. There is no harm in trying.
“And if we test it, and it works well, then beautiful, we can start pushing for it. But when I look at the cost, and I look at the possibility of getting it charged, especially with the state of electricity in the country. It is really, really discouraging.”
Despite these challenges, some industry leaders believe Nigeria could benefit greatly from EV adoption. Ukadike Chinedu, Managing Director of Realink Oil Nigeria Limited and Public Relations Officer of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), highlighted the environmental and economic advantages of EVs.
“Nigeria is ready for electric vehicles. EVs will help reduce air pollution, lower foreign exchange pressure from petroleum imports, and improve safety standards. However, we need charging points across the country to make this transition feasible,” he said:
He also pointed out the need for local battery production to reduce dependency on imported lithium batteries, which could drive up costs.
Nnaji
Enoh
Ibiwoye
Hashim
Chinedu