Reps seek regulatory framework for electric vehicle, CNG imports

The House of Representatives has called for a transparent regulatory framework for the importation of electric cars, compressed natural gas vehicles and related infrastructure, seeking to link government incentives to investments in local servicing, technical training and refuelling facilities.

The proposal followed a motion moved by Lagos lawmaker, Ademorin Kuye, on the floor of the House on Tuesday.

Kuye said the framework would ensure that companies importing clean-energy vehicles into the country possess the technical capacity and infrastructure required to support their products, rather than relying solely on the benefits of import duty concessions and other fiscal incentives.

The motion noted that Nigeria had adopted policies promoting electric vehicles, CNG-powered vehicles, liquefied petroleum gas vehicles and other clean transportation technologies as part of its energy transition and economic diversification agenda

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 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.

“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, therefore, urged the Federal Government to “establish a transparent licensing and approval framework for the commercial importation of electric vehicles, CNG vehicles and related clean mobility equipment.”

It also called on the National Automotive Design and Development Council, in collaboration with the Bureau of Public Procurement, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, the Nigeria Customs Service and other relevant agencies, to develop objective criteria for approving importers.

Under the proposed framework, companies seeking approval would be required to meet prescribed eligibility standards, including “the establishment of certified service and maintenance centres in Nigeria, the availability of genuine spare parts and warranty support, and the employment and training of qualified Nigerian technical personnel.”

Importers would also be assessed on their investments in electric vehicle charging infrastructure or CNG refuelling facilities, compliance with Nigerian safety, environmental and technical standards, and submission of consumer protection and after-sales service plans.

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

It emphasised that the approval process should remain open, competitive and non-discriminatory, “allowing every company that meets the prescribed requirements to obtain approval without undue preference.”

The House also called for the alignment of tax incentives, import duty concessions and other fiscal benefits with compliance with the proposed regulatory framework, with the aim of encouraging sustained investment in local infrastructure.

The proposal comes amid efforts to diversify Nigeria’s energy sources and reduce dependence on petrol and diesel in the transport sector. The adoption of alternative-fuel vehicles has also increased the importance of developing the infrastructure, technical skills and regulatory safeguards needed to support their use.

While electric vehicles depend on adequate charging facilities and reliable technical support, CNG-powered vehicles require accessible refuelling stations, trained technicians and appropriate safety standards.

The proposed framework seeks to address these requirements by making local support infrastructure and compliance with established standards central to the approval of commercial vehicle imports.

If implemented, the proposal could also help strengthen consumer protection by requiring importers to provide warranties, genuine spare parts and accessible maintenance services.

The motion places emphasis on ensuring that government incentives for clean mobility translate into lasting investments, rather than merely increasing the volume of imported vehicles.