Abuja: Automobile technology experts assert that Electric Vehicles (EVs), if supported by stakeholders, will alleviate Nigeria’s transportation challenges and foster sustainable development. They shared these insights during interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mr. Gbenga Bada, an automotive technician at Kugbo, emphasized the need for the government to raise awareness about the benefits of EVs and to invest in the necessary infrastructure to facilitate their growth. He noted that many Nigerians remain unaware of the advantages and availability of EVs and highlighted the existing skills and maintenance gap, urging the training of more technicians for EV maintenance.
Mr. Bada acknowledged governmental efforts through agencies like the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) in promoting EV adoption. He mentioned that the government has launched EV charging stations and unveiled locally assembled electric buses, aiming for a 30% growth in electric mobility, in alignment with the National Automotive Industrial Development Plan. He also remarked on China’s investment in EV factories in Nigeria, leveraging the country’s lithium reserves. Estimates suggest there are now between 15,000 to 20,000 EVs on Nigerian roads as of early 2025, a significant increase from previous years. He added that with Nigeria’s large and growing population and increasing urbanization, the market offers considerable potential for EV growth, with global brands already establishing a presence in Abuja and Lagos through private sector initiatives.
Mr. Austin Emmanuel, a renewable energy expert, highlighted that investing in EVs would signal the Federal Government’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Successfully integrating EVs into the nation’s transport sector could bolster the economy through job creation and improved movement of people and goods. Emmanuel pointed out Nigeria’s abundant renewable energy resources, such as solar and wind, which could sustainably support EV functionality. He noted Nigeria’s pledge to achieve 100% zero-emission sales for new cars and vans by 2040, aligning with global climate goals and the need for cleaner transportation solutions. The SAGLEV Electromobility Nigeria Limited has launched an EV assembly plant in Lagos, targeting 10,000 vehicles annually, including BRT buses and passenger cars.
Asabe Daniel, a graduate of Transport Planning and Management, told NAN that EVs would be cost-effective in the long run. While the initial purchase costs may be high, EVs will generally be cheaper to run and maintain due to lower fuel costs. She called for investment in renewable energy sources to power the EV battery charging infrastructure in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for concerted efforts involving public and private sector investments to maximize EV potential. She stressed the importance of strong collaboration between the government, private sector, and international development partners for a sustainable transition to electric mobility.
NAN recalls that among other initiatives to support EV adaptation in Nigeria, the Federal Government recently approved contracts worth nearly N152 billion to introduce EVs in the north-east. Presidential Spokesperson Mr. Bayo Onanuga stated that the contracts, approved by the Federal Executive Council, aim to promote energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions in the region. The contracts include N2.9 billion awarded to Bluecrest Integrated Concept Limited for ten 17-seater electric buses, while Mutual Commitment Company Limited will supply 4,000 e-tricycles for N49.6 billion. Additionally, Shanghai Integrated Infrastructure Development and Sinoma Investment International Limited will provide an additional 6,000 e-tricycles for N37.2 billion and N16.3 billion, among others.