MEMAN Pushes for Faster EV Adoption, Calls for Collaboration to Drive Nigeria’s Energy Transition
…….by Ben Ndubuwa….
The Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) has renewed calls for urgent collaboration to accelerate electric mobility adoption in the country, stressing that Nigeria cannot afford to be left behind in the global energy transition.
Speaking at a webinar themed “Accelerating Electric Mobility Adoption in Nigeria by Unlocking Downstream Potential” held on August 15, 2025, MEMAN executives, regulators, industry leaders, financiers and innovators examined the opportunities, challenges, and regulatory frameworks shaping the transition to electric vehicles (EVs).
With transportation contributing nearly 28 per cent of Nigeria’s greenhouse gas emissions and rising fuel costs weighing heavily on households and businesses, the forum highlighted EVs as a critical component of Nigeria’s clean energy future.
MEMAN’s Chief Executive Officer and Executive Secretary, Mr. Clement Isong, noted that the association has already made progress with 12 EV charging and battery-swapping sites, along with five aftersales facilities nationwide. He stressed that opportunities abound in solar-powered charging, battery-swapping networks, and scaling two- and three-wheelers as entry points for mass adoption.
“Collaboration between regulators, investors, and private sector players is essential if Nigeria is to build a viable EV ecosystem. MEMAN remains committed to providing a platform for dialogue and knowledge sharing that will unlock innovation in the downstream sector,” Isong said.
Dr. Mukaila Oseni, Director of Operations at the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), placed Nigeria’s EV journey in a global perspective, citing International Energy Agency forecasts of 145 million EVs worldwide by 2030.
He described EV adoption as vital for diversifying Nigeria’s energy mix, reducing long-term transport costs, and cutting carbon emissions. However, he pointed to persistent hurdles including high vehicle costs, limited charging infrastructure, unreliable grid power, and low consumer awareness.
According to him, the NMDPRA is already reviewing regulatory frameworks to encourage infrastructure development, technological innovation, and investor incentives. He also urged stakeholders to leverage Nigeria’s extensive fuel retail network as ready-made hubs for EV charging.
Industry participants at the webinar also highlighted interim alternatives such as compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which can complement Nigeria’s transition to cleaner mobility.
The session, convened through MEMAN’s Competency Centre, underscored the importance of financing models, local auto assembly, consumer sensitisation, and innovation in building a sustainable EV ecosystem.
With global momentum for EVs accelerating, the consensus at the forum was clear: Nigeria must act swiftly to integrate electric mobility into its energy transition agenda or risk being left behind.