The House of Representatives is pushing for stricter requirements for companies importing electric vehicles (EVs), Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles and related equipment into Nigeria, with emphasis on local maintenance facilities, technical expertise and consumer protection.

The proposal, sponsored by Hon. Ademorin Aliu Kuye, seeks to ensure that businesses benefiting from government incentives for alternative-fuel vehicles also invest in the infrastructure needed to support their operation in the country.

The motion, listed on the House Order Paper of October 22, 2026, calls for a transparent licensing system that would assess the capacity of prospective importers to provide essential services beyond the sale of vehicles.

Under the proposed arrangement, companies seeking import approval would be expected, where applicable, to establish certified maintenance centres, provide genuine spare parts and warranties, and demonstrate plans for training Nigerian technicians.

The framework would also consider investments in electric vehicle charging stations and CNG refuelling facilities, alongside compliance with national safety, environmental and technical standards.

Kuye’s proposal comes amid efforts by the Federal Government to encourage the use of alternative transport fuels through tax reliefs and other incentives designed to attract investment into cleaner transportation.

However, the lawmaker’s motion draws attention to the need for supporting infrastructure that would allow motorists to operate and maintain these vehicles conveniently.

The proposal seeks to connect import incentives with measurable investments in local infrastructure, employment and technical capacity.

It calls on the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) to work with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and other relevant agencies to establish clear conditions for approving commercial importers.

Under the proposed system, qualified companies would be eligible for approval based on their compliance with established requirements, rather than preferential treatment.

The motion also recommends that NADDC maintain a publicly accessible register of approved vehicle importers and infrastructure providers.

Such a register would allow consumers and other stakeholders to identify companies authorised to supply electric and gas-powered vehicles and their supporting equipment.

Another provision seeks to make compliance with the proposed regulatory framework a consideration in granting import duty concessions, tax incentives and other government benefits.

The measure is intended to encourage companies entering Nigeria’s alternative-fuel vehicle market to develop long-term service capacity instead of concentrating solely on vehicle imports.

The proposal comes as the Federal Government expands its Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles initiative to reduce reliance on petrol and promote alternative transportation options.

Despite the growing policy support for these vehicles, access to refuelling facilities, charging infrastructure, replacement parts and qualified maintenance personnel remains important to their widespread adoption.

For vehicle owners, adequate after-sales support would help address concerns about maintenance costs, equipment reliability and access to technical assistance.

The motion further proposes that the House Committees on Industry, Commerce, Gas Resources, Environment and Legislative Compliance monitor the implementation of the proposed framework and report within four weeks.

The recommendations remain proposals and would require action by the relevant government agencies before becoming enforceable import requirements.