By Musa Baba Adamu
The Senate yesterday passed for second reading the Electric Vehicle Transition and Green Mobility Bill, 2025.
The Bill, sponsored by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North) seeks to establish a comprehensive national framework for the transition to electric vehicles (EVs), promote local manufacturing, ensure environmental sustainability, and position Nigeria as a leader in clean energy transportation in Africa.
It also outlines clear strategies for achieving Nigeria’s transition to electric mobility through local content development, foreign partnership regulations, nationwide charging infrastructure, and a coordinated inter-ministerial framework.
Leading the debate, Senator Kalu said the proposed law is designed to transform Nigeria’s automobile and energy sectors by promoting innovation, local assembly, and environmental protection while creating thousands of jobs across the manufacturing value chain.
“This Bill will help Nigeria move from dependence on fossil fuels toward a cleaner and sustainable energy system. It will ensure that our local industries benefit directly from the emerging global electric vehicle market, create jobs, and reduce emissions in our cities.”
The Lawmaker added that the Bill provides incentives such as tax holidays, import duty waivers, toll exemptions, subsidies, and road tax exemptions for electric vehicle users and investors, while also mandating the installation of charging points in all fuel stations across the country.
“One of the key highlights of the Bill is its emphasis on local content compliance. It mandates that all foreign automakers seeking to operate in Nigeria must enter into partnerships with licensed Nigerian assemblers and establish assembly plants within three years of operation.
“Furthermore, such companies must attain at least 30 percent local sourcing of components by 2030.
“Non-compliance attracts strict penalties, including the suspension of operations and a fine of N250 million per violation.
“Additionally, any unlicensed dealer involved in the importation or sale of electric vehicles without government authorization would face a N500 million fine per shipment, alongside confiscation of goods.”
He clarified that the Bill also prohibits unauthorised research and development partnerships, ensuring that government grants or incentives for electric vehicle innovation are channeled through licensed Nigerian institutions.
“We are creating a system that protects Nigerian industries and ensures that technology transfer and innovation happen locally.”
During the debate, lawmakers across party lines commended Sen. Kalu for the foresight in sponsoring a bill that aligns Nigeria with global technological and environmental trends.
Senator Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central) stressed the importance of reducing Nigeria’s carbon footprint, especially in heavily industrialized and traffic-congested cities.
“The world is moving forward, and cities like Lagos and Kano are already suffering from high carbon emissions. Electric vehicles will drastically cut down pollution, improve public health, and create a new industrial ecosystem for Nigeria.
“Instead of exporting lithium, we should process and utilize it here at home to create jobs and diversify our economy.”
Senator Osita Ngwu (Enugu West) emphasized that the transition to electric vehicles would also help Nigeria address the long-term dangers of climate change.
“Climate change is already affecting our communities and agricultural productivity. Embracing clean mobility is part of our national responsibility to future generations.”
