Nigerian Senate Advances Landmark Electric Vehicle Transition and Green Mobility Bill
 |
| Plenary Session of Nigerian Senate Credit: Punchng |
Abuja — The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday advanced the Electric Vehicle Transition and Green Mobility Bill, 2025, passing it for second reading as the upper chamber moves to put in place a legal framework for a gradual shift from petrol-powered vehicles to electric mobility across the country. (The Guardian Nigeria)
Sponsored by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North), the bill seeks to establish national policy, institutional arrangements and incentives to accelerate adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), stimulate local manufacturing and investment, and reduce greenhouse-gas emissions from the transport sector. Supporters say the law will help position Nigeria to benefit from global green-transport supply chains while creating jobs at home. (Punch)
Key objectives contained in the Bill
-
Create a statutory framework for a phased transition from fossil-fuel-powered vehicles to electric vehicles. (Sahara Reporters)
-
Encourage local manufacturing and local content requirements so that foreign automakers partner with Nigerian industry. (ev24.africa)
-
Provide incentives (tax breaks, import rules, procurement preferences) to lower the upfront cost of EVs and attract private-sector investment. (Vanguard News)
-
Enable deployment of charging infrastructure and set standards for interoperability and safety. (thenigerialawyer.com)
Parliamentary progress and next steps
The bill — which earlier passed a first reading in July 2025 — successfully scaled its second reading on Wednesday, moving it to committee consideration where lawmakers will examine clauses, hear from stakeholders (industry, environment groups, labour and finance ministries) and propose amendments before the third reading and possible passage into law. (Mondaq)
Reactions and implications
Senate supporters described the legislation as a timely intervention to reduce emissions from a transport sector that contributes a large share of Nigeria’s greenhouse gases, while opening opportunities for domestic industrialisation and technology transfer. Critics and some industry actors have signalled they will press for careful phasing and clear incentives so the transition does not impose undue costs on motorists or the logistics sector. (Sahara Reporters)
BSTV comment
BSTV will continue to follow committee hearings and will bring updates from lawmakers, the Federal Ministry of Transportation, the Federal Ministry of Environment, automotive firms and consumer groups as they respond to the bill. Stakeholders and members of the public are invited to submit statements for possible inclusion in upcoming coverage.