Minister Alkali Pledges to Roll Out Electric Vehicles to Curb Rising Transportation Costs

Nigeria’s Minister of Transportation, Sa’idu Alkali, has expressed his commitment to establishing a solid groundwork for the successful introduction of electric vehicles in the nation. His aim is to alleviate transportation expenses for Nigerians.

During his official resumption of duties at the ministry on Tuesday, August 22, the newly appointed minister emphasized that the current high transportation costs are a direct result of the removal of fuel subsidies. He intends to address this challenge by fostering the adoption of electric vehicles in the country.

He said:

• “The Ministry of Transport must assume a leading role in improving the public transportation sector to support the numerous policies that are geared towards providing democratic dividends that are accessible to ordinary Nigerians through effective provision of public transport that is secured, affordable and convenient across the country.
• “So, I am going to ensure that the mass transit system is effective and put in place. The agenda of Mr. President is renewed hope and we will make sure that with the removal of fuel subsidy, we have an effective mass transit system and see how we can procure electric vehicles so that at least the cost of transportation with even the mass transit system is reviewed downward across the country.
• “I will also ensure a sustainable collaboration with related ministries, agencies, and corporate entities to reactivate the road transport and mass transit operations in the country.”

Is Nigeria ready?

In 2022, ThePressNG conducted an exclusive interview with Jelani Aliyu, the Director General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) and he said electric vehicles will allow Nigeria to meet emission reduction targets faster.

According to Aliyu, electric vehicles allow young ICT-skilled Nigerians to explore and make the technology even better because it is basically a computer on wheels.

While addressing electricity issues in Nigeria, Aliyu said the NADDC had developed 100% solar-powered, off-grid EV charging stations in Sokoto, Enugu, Lagos and Abuja.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s new Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu has recently said he is committed to easing electricity bottlenecks using the 2023 Electricity Act that was passed by President Tinubu in June 2023.

Note that in May 2023, the Federal Government under former President Muhammadu Buhari committed to the goal of producing 30% locally made electric vehicles by 2033.