Daily Trust can report that ten months following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s removal of petrol subsidy, the federal government has yet to fulfill its promise of introducing electric vehicles. This delay has left millions of Nigerians grappling with the financial strain of transportation costs post-subsidy removal. Experts note a decline in workplace productivity and depletion of capital for businesses reliant on mobility.
The government initially aimed to increase the proportion of electric vehicles on Nigerian roads to 7.50% by 2025, equivalent to about 7.50% of the estimated 11.8 million vehicles currently in operation. However, progress towards this target has been sluggish, with minimal tangible efforts observed to indicate the country’s readiness for widespread electric vehicle adoption.
When contacted for comment on the status of the country’s vehicle electrification project, officials of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) declined to provide information.
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Meanwhile, some states have begun exploring the adoption of electric vehicles as an alternative to fossil fuel-powered transportation, prompted by the soaring fuel prices post-subsidy removal. Notably, Borno State, under Governor Babagana Zulum’s administration, unveiled over 100 electric buses and taxis last year to mitigate the impact of the subsidy removal. President Tinubu commended this initiative during the inauguration, expressing plans for the federal government to establish electric vehicle assembly plants, leveraging the foresight demonstrated by Borno State.
Other states such as Delta and Lagos have also shown interest in electric vehicles, with initiatives like the acquisition of electric vehicles by Delta State and the launch of electric buses under Lagos State’s Mass Transit Master Plan.
However, challenges persist, particularly concerning the energy crisis hindering electric vehicle adoption. Experts emphasize the need for increased electricity access to support the charging infrastructure required for electric vehicles. Suggestions include leveraging the recently passed Electricity Act to facilitate energy generation at the state level and investing in solar power to alleviate energy constraints.
Furthermore, the lack of sufficient charging stations across states poses a significant hurdle. While some efforts have been made to establish charging stations, such as the solar-powered Electric Vehicle charging station at the University of Nigeria Nsukka, more infrastructure development is needed to support widespread electric vehicle usage.
In light of these challenges, experts stress the importance of state governments investing in clean energy and infrastructure to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles, ultimately reducing maintenance costs and enhancing sustainability in transportation.
