The Electric Vehicle (EV) Development Plan in Nigeria is moving closer to ratification and implementation, as the Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Jelani Aliyu, confirmed during a validation workshop in Abuja Tuesday.
The Plan, which sets ambitious goals for vehicle electrification, is expected to be adopted and ratified in the coming weeks.
The EV Development Plan is designed to position Nigeria as a frontrunner in vehicle electrification and aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060. To accomplish this, the Plan outlines specific targets, percentages, and a timeframe that must be met.
One of the key aspects of the Plan is the promotion of local production of electric vehicles, with a target of at least 30 percent local production.
To support the widespread adoption of EVs, the Plan proposes legislative support, including the approval of the plan and policy, dedicated funding for a Vehicle Finance Scheme focused on EVs to enable affordable nationwide purchases, and stricter vehicle emission regulations.
Jelani Aliyu further recommended the establishment of an Electric Vehicle Development Fund and the development of necessary EV charging infrastructure.
The collaboration between NADDC and the private sector is already underway to deploy charging points along highways and road networks, creating an effective EV ecosystem.
To encourage the adoption of EVs, the Plan mandates federal, state, and local governments, as well as companies with government contracts, to purchase and patronize EVs.
This push is driven by the need for cost-effective and sustainable transportation solutions, especially given the rising costs of petrol and diesel.
Aliyu emphasized the importance of passing the 2023 National Automotive Industry Development Plan Bill to provide legislative support and attract foreign direct investment (FDI) in the automotive sector.
Furthermore, he urged the government to enforce compliance with Executive Order 003, which mandates the procurement of locally produced vehicles by government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) and private companies working on government contracts.
In addition to fostering indigenous vehicle development with local content and intellectual property tailored to Nigeria’s unique conditions, Aliyu highlighted the nation’s abundant renewable energy and natural resources, such as lithium and petrochemicals, that can power EVs.
The EV Development Plan is seen as a critical step towards reducing carbon emissions and building a more sustainable transportation system in Nigeria.
As the Plan moves towards ratification, it signals Nigeria’s commitment to tackling climate change and embracing the future of electric mobility.
