Nigeria Moves Toward Clean Transport as Senate Approves Kalu’s Electric Vehicle Transition Bill

The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday passed the Electric Vehicle Transition and Green Mobility Bill, 2025, for second reading. Sponsored by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North), the proposed legislation seeks to establish a national framework for adopting, manufacturing, and regulating electric vehicles across the country.

The bill aims to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on fossil fuels, promote environmental sustainability, and position the nation as a continental hub for green mobility. Lawmakers across party lines expressed support for the bill, emphasizing the urgency of moving toward cleaner energy alternatives.

Leading the debate, Senator Kalu explained that the legislation would transform Nigeria’s automobile and energy sectors through innovation and job creation. He said the bill would enable local industries to benefit from the growing global electric vehicle market while reducing urban pollution and carbon emissions.

The bill proposes several incentives, including tax holidays, import duty waivers, and toll exemptions for EV users and investors. It also mandates the installation of charging points at fuel stations nationwide to support large-scale adoption.

A key provision in the proposed law focuses on local content compliance. It requires foreign automakers to partner with licensed Nigerian assemblers and establish local assembly plants within three years. From 2030, such companies must source at least 30% of their vehicle components locally or face fines of up to ₦250 million per violation. Unauthorized importers of electric vehicles risk penalties of ₦500 million per shipment and confiscation of goods.

Senator Kalu said the bill would protect local industries and encourage technology transfer. “We are creating a system that protects Nigerian industries and ensures innovation happens locally,” he stated.

Senator Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central) backed the bill, stressing the need to reduce carbon emissions in major cities such as Lagos and Kano. He added that instead of exporting raw lithium, Nigeria should process and use it domestically to create jobs and diversify the economy.

Senator Osita Ngwu (Enugu West) linked the legislation to climate resilience, noting that clean mobility was essential to protecting future generations. Senator Titus Zam also urged urgency, warning that Nigeria risked falling behind other nations already embracing the electric vehicle revolution.

The bill further encourages private investment in charging infrastructure by offering grants and tax credits to operators. Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the initiative, describing it as consistent with President Bola Tinubu’s drive for economic diversification and sustainable growth.