Senate moves to phase out petrol cars, considers electric vehicle bill

A bill seeking to establish legal and policy frameworks forNigeria’s transition from petrol-powered vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs)has scaled second reading at the senate. Orji Uzor Kalu. sponsor of the bill. said the proposal aimsto reduce carbon emissions, promote local manufacturing, and position Nigeriato benefit from the global shift towards clean mobility. Kalu said the transport sector accounts for about 20 to 30percent of greenhouse gas emissions in Nigeria, adding that the country risksfalling behind other African economies that have begun large-scale electricmobility adoption. “This bill seeks to create a comprehensive legal andinstitutional framework that will guide Nigeria’s gradual transition fromdependence on fossil fuel-powered vehicles to clean, energy-efficient, andenvironmentally-friendly development,” he said. He added that the bill proposes the establishment of anational electric vehicle development and promotion council to coordinatepolicy implementation across all levels of government. Adamu Aliero, senator representing Kebbi central, secondedthe motion and described the bill as timely, He said Kenya and South Africa are advancing in electricmobility and that Nigeria must not lag behind. “Cities like Kano and Lagos suffer heavily from carbonemissions. If we adopt electric vehicles, it will significantly reduceemissions, improve public health, and create jobs,” he said. Osita Ngwu, senator representing Enugu west, said Nigeria’spopulation size makes it a critical player in global climate action. He said the bill would help reduce the long-term effects ofpollution and protect public health. Titus Zam, senator representing Benue north-west, said thebill addresses health and environmental challenges associated with petrolengines. Godswill Akpabio, senate president, described the bill as a“very good innovation” and said the chamber looks forward to itsimplementation. The bill was referred to the senate committee on industries,which is expected to report back in four weeks.

Read More