Senate backs Kalu’s bill to boost electric vehicles, green transport

Nigeria is moving closer to a cleaner transport future as the Senate on Wednesday passed the Electric Vehicle Transition and Green Mobility Bill for second reading. Sponsored by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North), the bill seeks to establish a national legal framework that will support electric vehicle adoption, local manufacturing, and charging infrastructure across the country.

The proposed law offers incentives such as tax holidays, import duty waivers, toll exemptions and subsidies to attract investors and make EV ownership affordable. It also mandates that petrol stations nationwide install charging points.

A strong local-content provision requires foreign automakers to partner with Nigerian assemblers and set up assembly plants within three years. By 2030, they must source at least 30% of components locally or face fines of up to ₦250 million. Unauthorized EV imports could attract ₦500 million penalties and vehicle seizure.

Senators across party lines supported the bill, highlighting its potential to cut emissions, create jobs, boost technology transfer, and make Nigeria a continental EV manufacturing hub. Senate President Godswill Akpabio described it as key to economic diversification and sustainable growth. The bill was forwarded to the Senate Committee on Industry for further review.

Share to: