The House of Representatives has called for a transparent regulatory framework for importing electric vehicles, compressed natural gas vehicles and related infrastructure, proposing that government incentives be tied to investments in local servicing, technical training and refuelling facilities.
The proposal followed a motion moved by Lagos lawmaker Ademorin Kuye during plenary on Tuesday.
Kuye said the framework would ensure that companies importing clean-energy vehicles into Nigeria have the technical expertise and infrastructure to support their products, rather than benefiting solely from import duty concessions and other fiscal incentives.
The motion noted that Nigeria had introduced policies to promote electric vehicles, CNG-powered vehicles, liquefied petroleum gas vehicles and other clean transportation technologies as part of its energy transition and economic diversification efforts.
Speaking on the substance of the motion, Kuye said, “The House is aware that the Federal Government has introduced fiscal incentives, including import duty and tax reliefs, to encourage investment in clean mobility technologies and improve the availability of adequate charging infrastructures, CNG refueling stations, maintenance centres, spare parts supply chains, technical expertise, and after-sales support, which are all critical to the success of this policy direction.
“The House is convinced that Nigeria has the opportunity to encourage local investment, technology transfer, employment generation and domestic value addition by linking import incentives to measurable investments in infrastructure and technical capacity.”
The House urged the Federal Government to establish a transparent licensing and approval framework for the commercial importation of electric vehicles, CNG-powered vehicles and related clean mobility equipment.
The House also urged the National Automotive Design and Development Council to work with the Bureau of Public Procurement, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, the Nigeria Customs Service and other relevant agencies to establish clear criteria for approving importers.
Under the proposed framework, importers would be required to meet specified standards, including establishing certified service and maintenance centres in Nigeria, ensuring the availability of genuine spare parts and warranty support, and employing and training qualified Nigerian technical personnel.
