The Nigerian Senate has taken a significant step toward promoting green mobility and reducing the country’s carbon footprint. On Wednesday, it passed the second reading of a bill designed to facilitate the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) and to establish a legal framework for their adoption.
The legislation, sponsored by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, aims to guide Nigeria’s gradual shift from petrol‑ and diesel‑powered vehicles to cleaner, environmentally friendly alternatives. Senator Kalu noted that the transport sector accounts for 25‑30 percent of national greenhouse‑gas emissions, and with more than 12 million registered vehicles still reliant on fossil fuels, the need for an EV transition is increasingly urgent. The bill aligns with global best practices and Nigeria’s international environmental commitments, making its passage a crucial step toward lowering carbon emissions.
Senator Kalu also highlighted the economic potential of the bill, citing the global EV industry’s projected value of over $1.5 trillion by 2030. He pointed out that Nigeria’s abundant mineral resources—such as lithium and nickel—could support local EV and battery production, which would in turn improve public health by reducing emissions. Other senators, including Senator Adamu Aliero, expressed support, describing the bill as timely and noting that cities like Lagos and Kano would benefit from lower carbon emissions.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Industries for further review, with a report expected within four weeks. The passage of the bill is seen as a significant move toward sustainable transportation in Nigeria and a reduction in reliance on fossil fuels, promising positive impacts on both the environment and the economy.
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