The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday passed the second reading of a bill designed to support the country’s transition to electric vehicles (EVs) and promote a more sustainable, green transport system.
The proposed legislation, sponsored by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, seeks to establish a legal and policy framework for EV adoption, local manufacturing, environmental protection, and economic diversification.
Presenting the bill, Kalu said it aims to guide Nigeria’s gradual shift from petrol and diesel-powered vehicles to cleaner and more energy-efficient alternatives, in line with global climate goals.
He noted that the transport sector accounts for 25–30 percent of Nigeria’s greenhouse gas emissions, with more than 12 million vehicles still dependent on fossil fuels.
“This bill aligns with global best practices and Nigeria’s international environmental commitments,” Kalu said, warning that “Nigeria risks being left behind without decisive action.”
He also highlighted the economic opportunities embedded in the global EV market, projected to exceed $1.5 trillion by 2030, adding that Nigeria’s rich deposits of lithium and nickel could support local EV and battery production while improving public health through reduced emissions.
Senator Adamu Aliero (APC–Kebbi) described the proposal as timely, noting that major urban centres such as Lagos and Kano stand to benefit greatly from cleaner air and reduced carbon emissions.
In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the initiative as “a good innovation” and referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Industries for further legislative action. The committee is expected to submit its report within four weeks.