Abuja: Stakeholders in Nigeria’s energy and transport sectors have emphasized the urgent need for a clear and realistic roadmap to develop a scalable electric vehicle (EV) charging network, essential for achieving the country’s mobility transition goals. They voiced these concerns at the Abuja EV Stakeholders Roundtable Dialogue, organized by the Clean Technology Hub in observance of World Sustainable Transport Day.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the high-level dialogue was held in collaboration with the Policy Centre of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), and Surge Africa. The event, themed ‘Advancing E-mobility Infrastructure in Nigeria: Unlocking Policy, Financing, and Technical Pathways for Scalable EV Charging’, brought together key government agencies, private sector leaders, development partners, investors, and technical experts to discuss overcoming the charging infrastructure barrier in Nigeria’s electric mobility transition.
Mr. Daramfon Bassey, Head of Programme, Energy Access at Clean Technology Hub, highlighted that the roundtable focused on three critical areas: policy shifts needed to attract private sector investment, viable financing models within a high-cost, unstable grid environment, and the technical and institutional frameworks required to establish a resilient and scalable network. He emphasized that a collaborative approach is necessary, as no single institution can drive the transition independently. The forum aims to develop a shared vision for Nigeria’s EV charging ecosystem over the next decade, including concrete policy recommendations, practical financing and deployment models, and a coalition committed to implementation.
Bassey pointed out that Nigeria is at a pivotal moment, with policy direction and investment decisions set to shape the future of its electric mobility transition. As Africa’s largest economy and population center, Nigeria’s EV transition will have significant implications for the continent. Despite ambitious national policies, the current EV charging ecosystem remains weak and fragmented, characterized by isolated government projects and small private deployments. He stressed that the Electric Vehicle Transition and Green Mobility Bill under review needs to be strengthened to address implementation gaps and local market realities.
He further noted that Nigeria cannot adopt EV charging models from regions like Europe, China, or South Africa due to its unreliable national grid, non-EV-ready fuel stations, rapid urbanization, and limited electricity access for millions. However, opportunities abound, such as high solar potential, over 100 operational mini-grids, a large two- and three-wheeler mobility market, and emerging local innovators in manufacturing, battery swapping, and renewable energy.
Prof. Innocent Barikor, Director General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), emphasized the need for strict environmental safeguards during the transition to electric mobility. Represented by Mr. Chukwura Nnandi-Okaybue, Barikor commended the focus on environmental governance within the electric mobility agenda. He outlined NESREA’s role in shaping the environmental foundation of the country’s EV transition and ensuring compliance with standards for battery control and producer responsibility.
Ms. Joan Bishop, Network Coordinator of the Youth Climate Collective, an Initiative of Surge Africa, reiterated support for expanding Nigeria’s EV infrastructure. She highlighted the importance of unlocking policy, financing, and technical pathways for scalable EV charging as the critical first step in realizing the vision of a sustainable electric mobility ecosystem. Bishop expressed confidence in the collaborative efforts of government, industry, and civil society in accelerating progress towards this goal.