Can Nigeria scale green transport infrastructure?

Stakeholders in Nigeria are advocating for increased investment and infrastructure to support energy-efficient and affordable transport systems, especially on World Sustainable Transport Day. The country is gradually shifting towards electric and alternative-fuel vehicles, prompting discussions on scaling current offerings. Chinedu Azodoh, President of Max, and Jubril Arogundade, Executive Director of CIG Motors, recently shared their insights on the investment landscape and outlook for Nigeria's transition to sustainable mobility on CNBC Africa. Reflecting on the progress made across the continent, Chinedu Azodoh mentioned the positive advancements in sustainable transportation legislation in Nigeria and the rise of electric vehicle initiatives in West Africa. He emphasized the need to review past achievements and consider future strategies for the next five years. Jubril Arogundade highlighted the readiness of Nigeria to embrace sustainable transportation, citing the abundance of sunlight for power sources and the successful commercialization of electric vehicles in the market. The conversations revolved around policy support and funding for electric vehicles, acknowledging the government's efforts in providing VAT exemptions and duty waivers for EV purchases. Both guests stressed the importance of sensitizing the population about the benefits of electric vehicles and addressing concerns about charging infrastructure and power availability. Nigeria's move towards electric mobility faces challenges related to vehicle cost, import dependencies, and infrastructure limitations. Despite these hurdles, Chinedu Azodoh and Jubril Arogundade highlighted the potential for significant health and environmental benefits by transitioning from fossil fuel vehicles to electric ones. They also discussed the creation of new economic opportunities and job prospects within the evolving electric vehicle industry. While the Nigerian market presents scalability challenges, Max and CIG Motors have extended their operations to Ghana and Cameroon, successfully deploying hundreds of electric vehicles in those regions. They emphasized the need for strategic partnerships, patient capital, and supportive policies to facilitate sustainable growth. The guests elaborated on innovative solutions like battery swap stations and subscription models to enhance the accessibility and affordability of electric vehicles. In addressing the current challenges to scaling electric mobility, Chinedu Azodoh mentioned the importance of partnering with OEMs offering cost-effective vehicles and accessing patient capital for long-term sustainability. Jubril Arogundade stressed the significance of lowering interest rates for electric vehicle financing to encourage wider adoption and emphasized the role of government support in reshaping the transportation ecosystem. The discussion concluded with a call for enhanced government policies, differentiated license plates for electric vehicles, and collaborative efforts with financial institutions to promote the uptake of electric vehicles in Nigeria. The guests underscored the urgency of investing in sustainable transportation to drive economic savings and environmental preservation for the nation's future.