The Senate has passed for second reading the Electric Vehicle Transition and Green Mobility Bill, 2025 to boost environmental and economic benefits.
Sponsored by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on South East Development Commission (SEDC), Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC, Abia North), The proposed legislation, seeks to create a national framework for the adoption, manufacturing, and regulation of EVs, reduce Nigeria’s dependence on fossil fuels, and establish the country as a continental hub for green mobility.
The bill extensively debated, with lawmakers acknowledging the urgency of transitioning to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, outlines strategies to promote local assembly, regulate foreign partnerships, expand nationwide charging infrastructure, and ensure coordinated oversight through relevant ministries and agencies.
During the plenary, Senator Kalu said the initiative is aimed at transforming the nation’s automobile and energy sectors through innovation and job creation. He said, “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 bill which emphasized on local content compliance also provides for tax holidays, import duty waivers, toll and road tax exemptions, and subsidies for EV users and investors. It also mandates that charging points be installed in fuel stations nationwide to enable widespread adoption.
It requires foreign automakers operating in Nigeria to partner with licensed local assemblers and set up assembly plants within three years. The proposed legislation also stated that by 2030, such companies must source at least 30 per cent of components locally, or risk suspension of operations and fines of up to N250 million per violation, stating that unauthorized EV importers face penalties of N500 million per shipment and confiscation of vehicles.
“We are creating a system that protects Nigerian industries and ensures that technology transfer and innovation happen locally,” Senator Kalu explained.
The proposal got the backing of senators across party lines including, Senator Adamu Aliero, representing Kebbi Central, stressed the urgent need of addressing carbon emissions in major cities. He stated, “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, representing Enugu West, linked the bill to long-term climate resilience. “Climate change is already affecting our communities and agricultural productivity. Embracing clean mobility is part of our national responsibility to future generations,” he stated.
Senator Titus Zam said, “From Europe to Asia and even several African countries, the electric vehicle revolution has already taken shape. “Nigeria must not be left behind if we hope to remain competitive and relevant.”
Commending the initiative, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the bill is in accordance with President Bola Tinubu’s economic diversification agenda. “This Bill represents an important step toward sustainable industrial growth and environmental responsibility. Nigeria must prepare for the future of transportation and energy,” he added.
The bill was therefore referred to the Senate Committee on Industry for further legislative scrutiny and is expected to return within four weeks.