By Tracy Moses
The House of Representatives has called for a regulatory framework to govern the importation of electric vehicles (EVs), compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered vehicles and related clean-mobility equipment, proposing that access to government incentives be tied to investments in local infrastructure, technical capacity and after-sales services.
The proposal followed a motion moved by Ademorin Kuye, a member of the House from Lagos State, during Tuesday’s plenary.
The lawmakers said companies benefiting from import duty concessions and other fiscal incentives for clean-energy vehicles should demonstrate their capacity to provide adequate maintenance services, genuine spare parts, technical support and the infrastructure needed to sustain the use of the vehicles in Nigeria.
The motion comes amid Federal Government efforts to diversify the country’s energy sources, reduce dependence on petrol and diesel, and promote alternative-fuel technologies in the transport sector.
While electric and CNG-powered vehicles offer opportunities to reduce reliance on conventional fuels, their widespread adoption depends on the availability of charging points, refuelling stations, trained technicians and reliable after-sales services.
Presenting the motion, Kuye said existing government incentives should deliver broader economic benefits by encouraging investments in the infrastructure and technical expertise required to support the clean-mobility market.
“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 refuelling stations, maintenance centres, spare parts supply chains, technical expertise, and after-sales support, which are all critical to the success of this policy direction,” he said.
Kuye said Nigeria could use the policy to stimulate local investment, promote technology transfer and create employment opportunities.
“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,” he added.
The House consequently 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.
It also called on the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), in collaboration with the Bureau of Public Procurement, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, the Nigeria Customs Service and other relevant agencies, to develop clear and objective criteria for approving importers.
Under the proposed framework, companies seeking approval would be required to establish certified service and maintenance centres in Nigeria, ensure the availability of genuine spare parts and warranty support, and employ and train qualified Nigerian technical personnel.
Importers would also be assessed on their investments in electric vehicle charging infrastructure or CNG refuelling facilities, compliance with applicable Nigerian safety, environmental and technical standards, and the adequacy of their consumer protection and after-sales service plans.
To promote transparency and accountability, the lawmakers urged the NADDC to maintain a public register of approved importers and clean-mobility infrastructure providers.
They stressed that the approval process should be transparent, competitive and open to all eligible businesses, without preferential treatment.
The House further called for tax incentives, import duty concessions and other fiscal benefits to be tied to compliance with the proposed framework, ensuring that companies receiving government support contribute to the development of local capacity.
The proposed measures are intended to address practical challenges associated with the transition to alternative-fuel vehicles. Electric vehicles require accessible charging facilities, specialised maintenance and dependable technical support, while CNG-powered vehicles depend on adequate refuelling infrastructure, trained personnel and strict adherence to safety standards.
Without these supporting systems, the growth in clean-energy vehicle imports could outpace Nigeria’s capacity to maintain and service them, potentially increasing costs for consumers and limiting the benefits of the transition.
The proposed framework would make local servicing capacity, infrastructure investment and compliance with established standards key considerations in approving commercial importers.
It could also strengthen consumer protection by requiring importers to provide warranties, genuine replacement parts and accessible maintenance services, while encouraging investment in the skills and facilities needed to support the market.
For Nigeria’s automotive sector, the initiative could help shift the focus from vehicle imports alone to the development of local expertise, skilled employment and supply chains capable of supporting cleaner transport technologies.
However, the effectiveness of the proposed framework would depend on how the standards are designed and enforced, particularly in ensuring that they encourage genuine investment without creating unnecessary barriers to entry or restricting competition.
The motion seeks to ensure that public incentives for clean mobility deliver measurable domestic benefits rather than merely increasing the number of electric and CNG-powered vehicles imported into the country.