The House of Representatives has called for a transparent regulatory framework for electric vehicle and compressed natural gas (CNG) imports, proposing that government incentives be tied to investments in local servicing, technical training and supporting infrastructure.

The proposal followed a motion moved by Lagos lawmaker Ademorin Kuye during plenary on Tuesday.

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Kuye said the framework would ensure that companies importing clean-energy vehicles into Nigeria had the technical capacity and infrastructure to support them, rather than benefiting from import duty concessions and other fiscal incentives without making corresponding local investments.

The motion noted that Nigeria had adopted policies promoting electric vehicles, CNG-powered vehicles, liquefied petroleum gas vehicles and other clean transportation technologies as part of its energy transition and economic diversification agenda.

Kuye said government incentives, including import duty and tax reliefs, were intended to encourage investment in clean mobility and improve access to charging infrastructure, CNG refuelling stations, maintenance centres, spare parts and after-sales services.

“The House is convinced that Nigeria has the opportunity to encourage local investment, technology transfer, employment generation and domestic value addition by linking import incentives to measurable investments in infrastructure and technical capacity,” he said.

The House urged the Federal Government to establish a transparent licensing and approval framework for the commercial importation of electric vehicles, CNG vehicles and related clean mobility equipment.

It also called on the National Automotive Design and Development Council, in collaboration with the Bureau of Public Procurement, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, the Nigeria Customs Service and other relevant agencies, to develop objective criteria for approving importers.

Under the proposed framework, companies would be required to establish certified service and maintenance centres in Nigeria, provide genuine spare parts and warranty support, and employ and train qualified Nigerian technical personnel.

Importers would also be assessed on their investments in electric vehicle charging stations or CNG refuelling facilities, compliance with Nigerian safety, environmental and technical standards, and plans for consumer protection and after-sales services.

The motion further urged the National Automotive Design and Development Council to maintain a public register of approved importers and infrastructure providers to improve transparency and strengthen consumer confidence.

It stressed that the approval process should be open, competitive and non-discriminatory, allowing every company that meets the prescribed requirements to obtain approval without undue preference.

The House also called for tax incentives, import duty concessions and other fiscal benefits to be aligned with compliance with the proposed framework, with the aim of encouraging sustained investment in local infrastructure.

The proposal comes amid efforts to diversify Nigeria’s energy sources and reduce reliance on petrol and diesel in the transport sector.

Wider adoption of alternative-fuel vehicles has increased the need for supporting infrastructure, technical expertise and effective regulatory safeguards.

Electric vehicles require accessible charging facilities and reliable maintenance services, while CNG-powered vehicles depend on adequate refuelling stations, trained technicians and appropriate safety standards.

The proposed framework seeks to make these support systems and compliance requirements central to the approval of commercial vehicle imports.

If implemented, the measures could also strengthen consumer protection by requiring importers to provide warranties, genuine spare parts and accessible maintenance services.

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The motion places emphasis on ensuring that government incentives for clean mobility generate lasting local investment, skills development and employment, rather than simply increasing the number of imported vehicles.