Electric vehicle transition bill scales second reading in Senate

The Nigerian Senate has passed the Electric Vehicle Transition and Green Mobility Bill 2025, for its second reading.

TrendyNobs reports that the bill seeks to create a national framework for Nigeria’s shift to electric vehicles, EVs, promote local manufacturing and strengthen the country’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

The proposed law, sponsored by Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North), received broad support as lawmakers outlined strategies for transitioning to electric mobility through local content development, foreign partnerships and nationwide charging infrastructure.

Kalu, while leading the debate, said the law aims to transform Nigeria’s automotive and energy sectors, foster innovation and create jobs across the manufacturing value chain.

According to him, the bill provides tax holidays, import duty waivers, toll exemptions, subsidies and road tax reliefs for EV users and investors.

It also mandates the installation of charging stations in all fuel outlets nationwide.

A key provision requires foreign automakers to partner with licensed Nigerian assemblers and establish local assembly plants within three years, with at least 30 percent local content sourcing by 2030.

Violations could attract fines of up to 250 million naira per breach, while unlicensed EV importers risk 500 million naira fines and goods confiscation.

Economically, the bill also seeks to make Nigeria a hub for EV manufacturing in Africa by mandating that assemblers produce a minimum of 5,000 units annually and meet international safety and technical standards. Investors establishing charging stations will also qualify for government grants and tax credits.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, described it as a forward-looking legislative effort aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s economic diversification and clean energy agenda.

The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Industry for further review and is expected to return to the chamber within four weeks.