The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority has identified poor electricity supply as a major challenge stalling Nigeria’s electric mobility transition.
The agency also pointed to high costs of electric vehicles and limited infrastructure as key barriers.
Speaking at a webinar organised by the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria on the theme ‘Accelerating Electric Mobility Adoption in Nigeria by Unlocking Downstream Potential’, the Director of Operations, Distribution Systems, Storage, and Retailing Infrastructure at NMDPRA, Mukaila Oseni, situated Nigeria’s EV journey within a global context, referencing the International Energy Agency’s forecast of 145 million electric vehicles worldwide by 2030.
He said the barriers slowing EV adoption in Nigeria include high vehicle costs, limited charging infrastructure, unreliable grid electricity, and low public awareness.
Oseni stressed that without urgent interventions, the country may struggle to keep pace with the global energy transition.
According to him, EVs are critical to diversifying Nigeria’s energy mix, reducing long-term transport costs, and cutting emissions. However, he warned that significant barriers persist.
He advocated for leveraging Nigeria’s expansive downstream network of fuel retail stations as ready-made sites for EV charging, supported by mini grids to ensure reliability.
