CLEAN MOBILITY IN NIGERIA: CHALLENGES, OPPORTUNITIES, AND PATHWAYS TO SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT

Abstract

Nigeria is experiencing a serious transport crisis. This is characterized by increasing greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, the removal of fuel subsidies, and reliance on imported fossil fuels. Clean mobility, which includes electric vehicles (EVs), compressed natural gas (CNG), better public transit, and non-motorized transport, provides a feasible path to reduce carbon emissions in the sector. This article looks at the current state of clean mobility in Nigeria, focusing on policy frameworks, infrastructure gaps, and socio-economic obstacles. A mixed-method approach was used, including policy document analysis, interviews with stakeholders, and secondary data from 2020 to 2025. The study reveals that less than 0.5% of registered vehicles are electric. Charging stations are almost nonexistent outside Lagos and Abuja. Public opinion supports used imported petrol vehicles due to their low initial cost. The findings indicate that switching to CNG-powered buses could lower fuel costs by 40% and decrease CO₂ emissions by 25% for each vehicle. However, without a national EV policy, grid reliability presents a significant challenge. The discussion includes successful case studies from Kenya and Rwanda, providing lessons for Nigeria. The article concludes that achieving clean mobility is possible but requires coordinated efforts in renewable energy integration, incentives for local assembly, and reforms in mass transit. Recommendations include a 10-year National Clean Mobility Action Plan, tax breaks for EV imports, and pilot e-mobility zones in six geopolitical regions.