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Future of Transportation is Electric Not Fuel, is Africa Ready?
By Timi Olubiyi, PhD
The year 2025 comes with a lot of hope and many aspirations, one of such is the increased benefits and possibilities around electric vehicles (EVs).
Even though, it is no more news and that it does not come as a surprise that the petrol and diesel-powered automobile/cars we have long been accustomed to still dominate the motoring landscape and indeed Africa with all the innovations and developments around mobility and transportation.
No doubt, the world is advancing clean and renewable energy options in particular around electric vehicles (EV) adaptations. More so the popularity of EVs is growing and the disruption is already rapid in developed economies. But what baffles the author is that Nigeria seems not to be bothered and we continuously move on with our daily tasks without referencing what happens around us globally.
It is a common knowledge that the way to go is net zero emissions by 2050 across all business units and supply chains including transportation. This is a key priority and a growing renewable energy footprint around the world but Africa is to the contrary from context observation.
From the records and with a follow up survey by the author in 2024 across the Republic of Ireland a small country with a population of less than 6 million, as it stands four out of every five homes now power their cars with 100% electric because the future of energy is electric.
Such acceptance can promote energy security, zero-emission, reduced energy cost and sustainable future easily without any economic concerns. Is this achievable in Nigeria in the nearest future? Achieving net-zero emissions in Africa presents significant challenge due to factors like limited access to reliable electricity, reliance on traditional fuels, and underdeveloped and old infrastructure.
In Nigeria and indeed most countries in Africa transportation sector is one of the largest contributors to global carbon emissions, with traditional gasoline(fuel) and diesel vehicles being primary sources of air pollution and environmental degradation.
In response to these concerns, the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) could represent a significant shift towards more sustainable and eco-friendly transportation options yet we are at the infant stage of adoption on the continent. As the world grapples with climate change and the depletion of fossil fuels, electric vehicles offer a promising solution to reduce pollution, enhance energy efficiency, and promote sustainability.
Therefore, this piece presents key benefits, and the need to explore policy options for future potential of electric vehicles in Nigeria and indeed on the continent of Africa.
From observation, one of the most compelling benefit of wide spread usage of electric vehicles is their environmental impact. Unlike traditional vehicles that run on internal combustion engines, EVs are powered by electricity stored in batteries, which means they produce zero emissions. This can significantly reduce air pollution, particularly in urban areas like Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja and the likes where traffic congestion and poor air quality are major concerns.
By shifting from gasoline(fuel) to electricity, EVs can help reduce the number of harmful gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter, which are linked to health challenges and serios climate change. Emissions, primarily carbon dioxide is a key driver of climate change. The gas is usually trap heat in the atmosphere gradually warming up the planet and causing intense heat wave and disruption of the ecosystems.
So, to reduce the emissions of CO2 from combustion engines, working by burning fuel and overheating with high engine noise, electric vehicles are desirable. Because they more energy-efficient compared to their gasoline-powered counterparts, more so, EVs are with less maintenance culture and repair expectations are low.
In fact, EVs are more cost-effective in the long run, despite high initial purchase price because over time the operational costs of running are lower. Believe it or not, EVs have fewer moving parts compared to conventional cars, where there is no need for oil changes, oil filters and radiator or coolants.
In fact, the brake systems tend to last longer because of regenerative braking technology, a feature common in many electric vehicles. The cost of electricity for charging is also typically lower than the cost of the usual fuel or diesel, further reducing the lifetime costs of owning an EV.
With all the aforementioned the future of electric vehicles looks promising but technological advancements in battery storage, such as solid-state batteries and faster-charging technologies, are expected to improve to enhance the overall EVs performance, its affordability, and convenience.
As the global demand for clean energy grows globally, it is the hope of the author that governments in Africa in particular Nigeria will step up their efforts to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles. Though effort on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) promotion is high in Nigeria in recent times which is a clear alternative to high cost of fuel currently but the real global standard and future of transportation is electric.
Many countries have now introduced stricter emissions regulations, offering financial incentives such as tax credits, rebates, and subsidies to make EVs more accessible to consumers Nigeria should not be an exemption, our government can also initiate similar policies.
Additionally, several governments have set ambitious goals to phase out the sale of new gasoline and diesel vehicles in favor of zero-emission models EVs within the next few decades, Africa can also start promoting this.
In addition, businesses and investments drive can be channeled into this developing critical area. Such as investment in home charging solutions, public charging infrastructure,wide spread charging stations, encouraging car manufacturers and private companies to set up assembling plants in Africa countries.
Investing inhome charging solutions, will make it easier for individuals to charge their vehicles overnight. Theseinvestment options and widespread infrastructure will help reduce range anxiety and make electric vehicles a more viable option for everyday consumers in Africa.
While challenges such as charging infrastructure, battery costs, and range limitations remain, ongoing advancements in technology, along with supportive policies and growing consumer demand, are driving the transition toward a cleaner, more sustainable transportation systemthios can also happen in Africa.
As electric vehicles become more affordable and accessible, they have the potential to significantly reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, improve air quality, and create a more sustainable future for generations to come. Good luck!
How may you obtain advice or further information on the article?
Dr Timi Olubiyi, an Entrepreneurship & Business Management expert with a PhD in Business Administration from Babcock University, Nigeria. A prolific investment coach, adviser, author, columnist, seasoned scholar, Member of the Institute of Directors, Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI), and Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) registered capital market operator. He can be reached on the Twitter handle @drtimiolubiyi and via email: dr***********@***il.com, for any questions, reactions, and comments.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author- Dr Timi Olubiyi and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of others.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
To boost economic activities in Lagos Island and support residents, the chief executive of the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority, Mr Bashir Are, sponsored the training of eight persons at the LagRide Drivers Academy through the LagRide Partner Programme.
Mr Are funded both the academy training and the vehicle costs, removing the two barriers that most frequently prevent qualified drivers from entering formal, structured employment in the mobility sector.
The beneficiaries were handed over keys to their vehicles at a ceremony in Lagos on Tuesday, July 21, 2026.
They now operate a LagRide vehicle under the platform’s Drive To Own programme, which allows a Captain to earn daily income while working towards full ownership of the vehicle at the end of the agreed payment term.
“The initial capital required to be onboarded was never going to come from these young men, so we provided that intervention financially so that they can have good employment.
“Lagos is a megacity. My agency runs the largest gaming and fintech conference on the continent every year, and when those delegates arrive, we do not want them driven around in poor vehicles. This is also employment for our own people, and we have a great deal of unemployment and underemployment in this country.
“These Captains are from Lagos Island Local Government, and they can now take care of their own families. Let me be clear about one thing. This is not a project. It is a programme, and it continues,” Mr Are stated.
Also speaking, the chairman of LagRide, Ms Diana Chen, said, “Today is just a new beginning, and more and more people will come. More local governments will join us, and one day we want to bring the Governor here so that this programme runs across the state.
“LagRide is a platform where a person comes to take a job and ends up owning the vehicle. It is also a platform that any government, or any organisation with a social development or CSR mandate, can use to empower the people they want to support. The people get their own asset at the end of it.”
On her part, the lawmaker representing Lagos Island Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mrs Omolara Oyekan-Olumegbon, said, “Everyone keeps saying there are not enough jobs for our youths. This is our own way of ensuring that they are empowered.
“When you give a person money, it is money, and it finishes. This is the difference between giving a man a fish and teaching him how to fish. You are giving these young men something they can use to take care of themselves, their families and their homes.
“We must thank the chief executive of the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority for doing this, and I must also thank Chief Diana Chen. Lagos Island is a commercial hub, and we intend to keep the flag flying. This is the beginning, and we will be coming back to ask for more.”
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A bill aimed at prohibiting hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial vehicles in Nigeria has been passed by the Senate.
The bill known as the Federal Road Safety Corps (Amendment) Bill, 2026, imposes fines between N50,000 and N100,000 for violations if assented to by the President.
The piece of legislation was passed by the red chamber of the National Assembly on Thursday and should later be transmitted to President Bola Tinubu for assent.
Members of the upper chamber of the parliament explained that the law was amended to discourage distractions in commercial vehicles and improve the safety of commuters.
In addition, motorists who fail to cooperate with officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) during roadside breath tests conducted on reasonable suspicion are liable to fines or imprisonment or both.
Lawmakers noted that this was to improve compliance with road safety regulations and reduce road crashes, as fines for driving under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating drugs were raised to N100,000 from N5,000, with the risk of spending two years behind bars.
It was also proposed that disobedience to traffic lights, road signs, pavement markings and other traffic control devices will now attract N100,000, while the fine for speed limit violations is now N100,000, with reckless driving now a fine of N100,000 or two years’ imprisonment.
By Dipo Olowookere
Residents and motorists plying the Aina Obembe Road in Baruwa, Ipaja, Lagos, may soon heave a sigh of relief as the excruciating traffic gridlock being experienced in the area both day and night may soon be a thing of the past.
This is because the chairman of Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA, Mr Lukmon Agbaje, has directed those involved in indiscriminate truck parking along the road to remove the heavy-duty vehicles within one week, threatening to invoke appropriate enforcement measures for noncompliance with this directive.
Speaking during a meeting on Wednesday with the management of SENA Company, which owns the affected trucks, as well as the leadership of Oluwadara CDA and other key stakeholders like the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), at the council’s secretariat, Mr Agbaje frowned at the prolonged inconvenience suffered by the community, stressing that public roads must remain accessible and safe for all users.
He emphasised the need for a collaborative approach in resolving the issue without undermining legitimate business operations, noting that he’s focused on finding a lasting solution to the gridlock experienced between Oluwaga and Aina Obembe, where parked trucks have continued to obstruct traffic, disrupt business activities, and pose safety concerns for residents and motorists.
He tasked the firm and the CDA to jointly identify and implement alternative parking arrangements that would remove all trucks from the affected roads and restore the free flow of traffic.
He declared that, “The welfare of our people remains our highest priority. No individual or corporate organisation should obstruct public infrastructure or create avoidable hardship for residents. We must ensure that economic activities coexist with public safety, order, and convenience.”
The council chief reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting orderly development, ensuring safe and accessible roads, improving traffic management, and creating an environment where businesses can thrive alongside the well-being of residents.
