Reps seek transparent framework for EV, CNG vehicle imports

The House of Representatives has urged the federal government to establish a transparent framework for the importation of electric vehicles (EVs), compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles and other clean mobility equipment into Nigeria.

The call followed a motion moved by Ademorin Kuye (APC, Lagos) during Tuesday’s plenary in Abuja.

Moving the motion, Mr Kuye said Nigeria has adopted policies that promote the transition to EVs, CNG vehicles, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) vehicles, and other clean transportation technologies as part of its energy transition and economic diversification agenda.

He said the government had introduced fiscal incentives, including import duty and tax reliefs, to encourage investment in clean mobility technologies and expand charging infrastructure and CNG refuelling stations.

He said the policy’s success would also depend on the availability of maintenance centres, spare parts, technical expertise, and after-sales support.

Mr Kuye said Nigeria could use the import incentives to encourage local investment, technology transfer, employment generation and domestic value addition by linking the incentives to measurable investments in infrastructure and technical capacity.

“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,” he said.

Reps seek rules for EV, CNG vehicle imports

He urged the federal government to establish a transparent licensing and approval framework for the commercial importation of EVs, CNG vehicles and related clean mobility equipment.

He also urged the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), in collaboration with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and other relevant agencies, to develop objective criteria for approving importers.

Under the proposed framework, companies seeking approval would, where applicable, be required to establish certified service and maintenance centres in Nigeria, provide genuine spare parts and warranty support, and employ and train qualified Nigerian technical personnel.

They would also be required to invest in EV charging infrastructure or CNG refuelling facilities, comply with Nigerian safety, environmental and technical standards, and submit consumer protection and after-sales service plans.

The lawmaker further urged the NADDC to maintain a public register of approved importers and infrastructure providers to promote transparency and consumer confidence.

He said the approval process must remain open, competitive, and non-discriminatory, allowing any company that meets the prescribed standards to obtain approval without undue preference.

He also urged the government to align tax incentives, import duty concessions, and other fiscal benefits with the proposed regulatory framework to encourage sustained investment in local infrastructure.

The motion was seconded by Makki Yalleman (APC, Jigawa).

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Debate

Contributing to the debate, Dominic Okafor (APGA, Anambra) supported the motion, saying importers should be required to provide after-sales support, maintenance centres and spare parts to protect consumers.

Adedeji Olajide (APM, Oyo) said greenhouse gas emissions contribute to global warming and argued that an appropriate framework for electric mobility would help Nigeria develop a more environmentally friendly transport system and contribute to global efforts to address climate change.

Sada Soli (APC, Katsina) said legislation was required to provide clear guidelines for implementing the policy.

The House unanimously adopted the motion after Speaker Abbas Tajudeen subjected it to a voice vote.

It then asked the NADDC, BPP, SON, NCS, and other relevant agencies to develop objective qualification criteria for approving the importation of EVs, CNG vehicles, and related clean mobility equipment.

The House Committees on Industry, Commerce, Gas Resources, Environment and Legislative Compliance were also mandated to monitor implementation and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.

CNG is natural gas compressed to high pressure and used as vehicle fuel. It is generally considered a cleaner-burning alternative to petrol and diesel because it produces lower levels of some pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions.