Nigeria’s Electric Future: We can transform the Mobility Industry and pave the Way for Smart EV Innovation – Uzim Emmanuel

Nigeria stands on the brink of a monumental transformation in urban transportation as the country’s motorcycle-taxi industry gears up for an electrifying revolution. With the motorcycle-taxi sector historically serving as a cornerstone of affordable mobility, experts are now projecting a future that balances sustainability, digitisation, and economic viability. Leading this narrative is Emmanuel Uzim, an e-mobility expert, who advocates for a shift to electric vehicles (EVs) within this crucial industry.

Research conducted by scholars at Oxford and Strathclyde universities has employed the MaTCOR model, an innovative open-access tool tailored to Nigeria’s unique context. This study reveals that while the country currently faces significant import costs—more than N117 billion in the first quarter of 2024 alone for motorcycle imports—transitioning to an all-electric fleet by 2040 could yield substantial environmental and social benefits without drastically affecting government revenue.

“We estimate that moving to an all-electric motorcycle taxi fleet would see only about a 5 percent decline in tax revenues from this sector—roughly N25 billion annually, which amounts to less than 0.02 percent of our GDP,” Uzim explains. “This modest decline is due to today’s low yields from fuel taxes and import duties on petrol-based vehicles. By transitioning to battery power, we would lose these revenues, but they are a small piece of the larger fiscal puzzle.”

Uzim highlights several potential strategies the Nigerian government could adopt to cushion the transition and find new revenue streams. For starters, implementing a carbon levy on petrol-fueled motorcycle taxis could generate up to a 40 percent increase in sector revenues by the 2030s. This could provide the necessary funding for incentives to encourage the purchase of electric bikes, support rider training programs, and invest in charging infrastructure.

With the recent elimination of Nigeria’s fuel subsidy in 2023, Uzim believes these changes would also enable the government to redirect previously allocated fuel spending towards targeted grants aimed at facilitating the switch to electric motorcycles. “It’s about reallocating resources to promote sustainability in our transportation sector,” he states.

Moreover, as electric motorcycles become more prevalent and carbon-levy revenues diminish, Uzim suggests that policymakers could consider slightly leveraging vehicle registration fees or introducing a modest levy on electricity sales at charging stations. “This approach would not only offset revenue losses but also ensure that the necessary investments in infrastructure and development continue,” he notes.

The environmental health benefits of adopting an all-electric fleet are significant. Uzim forecasts that such a transition could lead to a 30 per cent reduction in transport-related particulate emissions in Lagos, contributing to cleaner air quality and substantial savings for riders of up to N50,000 per month in fuel and maintenance costs.

Beyond the motorcycle-taxi sector, Uzim envisions Nigeria emerging as a major player in the broader electric vehicle market across Africa. He draws parallels to renowned “Motor Valley” regions known for their EV innovations. “By leveraging our population of over 220 million, we can meet the pressing demand for more efficient and affordable transportation solutions,” he elaborates.

While progress is evident, Uzim acknowledges the challenges ahead, including insufficient charging infrastructure and high import costs due to tariffs. “We need clear government policies that not only promote EV adoption but also attract investment into the manufacturing sector to reduce costs,” he states. Nonetheless, the momentum is building as companies such as Metro Africa Xpress (MAX.ng) lead the charge in producing electric motorcycles, while Jet Motor Company and NEV Electrics focus on electric buses.

Uzim’s optimistic vision holds that with strategic adjustments in Nigeria’s transportation and tax policies, the country can usher in a new era of cleaner, more affordable commuting options. “Our path to becoming Africa’s EV hub is within reach,” he concludes, “and a sustainable future for millions of Nigerians is on the horizon.”

As Nigeria steps into this electric future, the promise of innovation and sustainability shines brightly, signalling a new chapter for the nation’s economy and environment alike.

About Uzim Emmanuel

Uzim Emmanuel is an accomplished energy professional with over five years of expertise in driving digital innovation within the energy and clean technology sectors. Currently a Product Manager for Software Solutions at Aurora Energy Research in the UK, he previously worked as an Engineering Product Specialist at Mitsubishi Electric UK and led digital tools and innovation at Bisedge Limited, a green logistics company in Africa.

His passion for clean mobility and sustainable development in sub-Saharan Africa is highlighted by his recent research at the University of Oxford, where he developed a macroeconomic framework to assess the national impacts of vehicle electrification. This work provided data-driven recommendations for policymakers in the electric mobility space.

Emmanuel holds a Distinction in MSc Energy Systems from the University of Oxford and has received notable awards, including a $40,000 scholarship from the Nigerian University of Technology and Management and the Opportunity Funds Program award from the U.S. Embassy. He earned a First-Class Honours degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri.

Beyond his career, Emmanuel aims to establish a digital technology hub in Nigeria to empower young entrepreneurs in the energy sector, fostering innovation and creating market opportunities for underserved communities.