A Policy Roadmap for Nigeria’s Electric Mobility Future

Nigeria’s transition to electric mobility is gaining momentum. Recent national and sub-national efforts have shown that the country is ready to rapidly increase electric vehicle (EV) adoption to provide affordable transportation, create jobs, and meet net-zero ambitions by 2060. Currently, EVs across the two-wheeler, three-wheeler, four-wheeler, and heavy-duty vehicle segments account for less than 1% of vehicles on the road. However, a robust EV policy framework will enable exponential growth in the EV market.  

With targeted policies, stakeholder collaboration, charging infrastructure, and finance in place, Nigeria could see an EV sales penetration of 3.5% in 2030, 26.3% in 2040, and over 99.3% in 2060 under the optimistic scenario. A rapid EV adoption scenario will also reduce cumulative tailpipe emissions by avoiding 0.1 million tons (Mt), 7.1 Mt, and 55.5 Mt of CO2 by 2030, 2040, and 2060, respectively. Among these enablers, policy has the most powerful role to play in unlocking EV market growth. 

Existing and proposed policies highlight the Nigerian government’s support for transportation electrification. The draft EV Bill, which passed a second reading in November 2025, acknowledges the urgent need for alternative fuels and e-mobility, supports EV charging infrastructure build-out, includes fiscal policy support measures, highlights the need for research and development and vocational training, and emphasizes the role the EV sector can play in domestic manufacturing job growth. Additionally, a Green Tax went into effect on July 1, 2026, benefitting EV competitiveness by levying fees on internal combustion engine vehicle imports. 

In combination, the draft EV Bill and Green Tax represent the most recent steps toward building a supportive policy ecosystem for EV growth. Yet, in their current form, they leave key policies gaps and could lead to unintended barriers to EV growth. To build on current EV momentum, stakeholders should focus on five key areas: establishing a clear long-term EV roadmap, implementing supply-side regulations, providing demand-side incentives, supporting domestic manufacturing, and setting the stage for rapid charging infrastructure development.  

Additional Contributors

Ridwan Zubair

Acknowledgements

Electric Mobility Promoters Association of Nigeria (EMPAN), Clean Technology Hub, and Umar Muhammed of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission. The authors would also like to thank the Drive Electric Campaign for their generous support that made this report possible.