Importers of electric and compressed natural gas vehicles could face stricter approval requirements under a proposed framework by the House of Representatives seeking to ensure that government incentives translate into local investment and job creation.
The House on Tuesday called for transparent licensing rules requiring companies importing the vehicles and related equipment to invest in servicing facilities, technical training, spare parts supply and charging or refuelling infrastructure.
The proposal followed a motion moved by Ademorin Kuye, Chairman of the House Committee on Public Assets, who argued that import duty concessions and other fiscal incentives should come with measurable commitments to developing Nigeria’s clean mobility sector.
Kuye said the country could use its energy transition policies to promote technology transfer, employment and domestic value addition instead of relying mainly on imported vehicles.
The House urged the Federal Government to establish a transparent licensing and approval framework for commercial imports of electric vehicles, CNG-powered vehicles and related equipment.
It also called on 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 develop clear eligibility criteria for importers.
Under the proposed framework, companies would be assessed on their capacity to establish certified service and maintenance centres, provide genuine spare parts and warranty support, and employ and train qualified Nigerian technicians.
Importers would also be required to demonstrate investment in electric vehicle charging stations or CNG refuelling facilities, comply with national safety and technical standards, and submit consumer protection and after-sales service plans.
The House further urged the automotive development council to maintain a public register of approved importers and infrastructure providers to improve transparency and consumer confidence.
It stressed that the approval process should be open and competitive, allowing any company that meets the prescribed requirements to participate without undue preference.
The lawmakers also called for government tax incentives and import duty concessions to be linked to compliance with the proposed rules, ensuring that businesses receiving public incentives contribute to developing local infrastructure.
The proposal comes amid efforts to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on petrol and diesel and encourage alternative energy sources in the transport sector.
Electric vehicles require accessible charging facilities and technical support, while CNG-powered vehicles depend on adequate refuelling stations, trained technicians and appropriate safety measures.
The proposed framework seeks to address these gaps by making local investment, technical capacity and consumer protection key conditions for commercial vehicle import approvals.
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