A bill to establish legal and policy frameworks for Nigeria’s transition from petrol-powered vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs) has scaled 2nd reading at the Senate. The sponsor of the bill, Orji Uzor Kalu, recently revealed that the proposal will help to decrease carbon emissions, promote local manufacturing, and position the country to take advantage of the global shift towards clean mobility.
Stating that the transport sector is responsible for about 20 to 30 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions, he said that Nigeria cannot risk falling behind other African economies that have started large-scale electric mobility adoption.
He revealed that the bill will trigger the end of Nigeria’s reliance on fossil fuel-powered vehicles.
“This bill seeks to create a comprehensive legal and institutional framework that will guide Nigeria’s gradual transition from dependence on fossil fuel-powered vehicles to clean, energy-efficient, and environmentally-friendly development,” he said.
He disclosed that the bill seeks to establish a national electric vehicle development and promotion council to coordinate policy implementation across all levels of government.
A Senator representing Kebbi Central, Adamu Aliero, seconded the motion, noting that it was moved at the right time.
He concluded by saying that South Africa and Kenya are already advancing in electric mobility, and Nigeria cannot afford to lag behind.
“Cities like Kano and Lagos suffer heavily from carbon emissions. If we adopt electric vehicles, it will significantly reduce emissions, improve public health, and create jobs,” he maintained.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the bill as a very good innovation, stressing that the chamber looks forward to its implementation.
The bill was then referred to the Senate Committee on Industries, which is expected to report back in one month.
