South East Youths Back Kalu’s Electric Vehicle Bill

The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) has thrown its weight behind the Electric Vehicle Transition and Green Mobility Bill, 2025, sponsored by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, describing it as a visionary legislation that will create thousands of jobs and help Nigeria transition to a cleaner, greener economy.

The group, which is the apex sociopolitical youth body in the South East geopolitical zone, said the bill—recently passed for second reading in the Senate—represents a bold step toward aligning Nigeria with global trends in sustainable transportation and green energy.

In a statement signed by its president general, Comrade Goodluck Ibem, COSEYL hailed Senator Kalu, who represents Abia North Senatorial District, for initiating the bill and positioning Nigeria to benefit from the fast-growing global electric vehicle market.

“We recognize this bill as a groundbreaking initiative poised to foster economic growth, enhance the balance of payments, create job opportunities for our vibrant youth, and cultivate a cleaner environment across Nigeria,” the statement said.

The group commended the bill’s focus on local content and domestic manufacturing, noting that its provisions would ensure foreign automakers partner with Nigerian assemblers, thereby boosting industrial development and job creation.

According to COSEYL, the legislation’s incentives—such as tax holidays, import duty waivers, and subsidies for investors and users of electric vehicles—will not only stimulate trade but also enhance the competitiveness of local businesses.

The youth coalition also linked the initiative to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, saying the bill aligns with the administration’s economic diversification and industrialization drive.

“By promoting local manufacturing and assembly, the bill will enable Nigeria to secure a vital position in the emerging electric vehicle industry, resulting in improved economic stability and diversified revenue sources,” the group added.

COSEYL further emphasized the environmental impact of the legislation, noting that a nationwide shift to electric vehicles would reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality, especially in major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Onitsha.

“This legislation not only aligns with global sustainability goals but also demonstrates our commitment to addressing the urgent challenges posed by climate change for the well-being of our future generations,” Ibem stated.

The group urged all stakeholders, including lawmakers, investors, and civil society organizations, to support the bill’s speedy passage and implementation.

It added that the proposed law has the potential to make Nigeria a continental leader in green mobility, open new investment corridors, and provide meaningful employment for the nation’s youth.

“We commend Senator Orji Uzor Kalu for his foresight and dedication to this significant endeavour and encourage citizens to embrace this transformative vision for a greener, more prosperous Nigeria,” COSEYL said.