The Electric Mobility Promoters Association of Nigeria (EMPAN) says electric vehicles will reduce operational costs by 40 per cent.
The president of EMPAN, Dapo Adesina, made this statement on Saturday in Lagos during the EMPAN Certificate Presentation Ceremony for the free training of roadside mechanics on Electric Okadas and Kekes.
Adesina said that the association would continue to promote efforts toward transitioning to electric mobility in the country. He said that it was one of the reasons the association, in collaboration with its partners, organised training for mechanics to focus on the repair and maintenance of electric vehicles.
According to him, electric vehicles are the future, and the future is now, as there are numerous advantages to EVs.
“Electric vehicles are eco-friendly, so we are able to meet our nationally determined contribution as a country and as part of an energy transition plan of the Federal Government, so we have 25 per cent out of the five major sectors.
“Transport is accounting for about 25 per cent, where we can decarbonise the environment, and also pollution reduction. There is zero tailpipe emission from EVs, low or no noise at all, noise pollution is cancelled, so we can live better than ever.
“Operational cost of running EV is very cheap. You can save as much as between 40 to 60 per cent of your daily or weekly or monthly operational costs when you use EVs as against the internal combustion engines,” he said.
Adesina stated that the association would monitor and evaluate the participants for job placement, as needed.
“Today, we celebrate not just the conclusion of a training programme, but the beginning of a new chapter for sustainable transport in Nigeria. This initiative reflects the vision of the Electric Mobility Promoters Association of Nigeria (EMPAN) to empower our local workforce, strengthen the electric mobility ecosystem, and ensure that as Nigeria transitions to clean and affordable transport, no one is left behind.
“To our newly trained mechanics, I congratulate you for your commitment and dedication throughout these six days. You are the pioneers – the first responders and champions of this technology on our streets and in our communities. The knowledge and skills you have gained will not only enhance your livelihoods but also inspire confidence among everyday Nigerians to adopt and embrace electric mobility,” he said.
The president stated that EMPAN believed true progress was achieved when capacity was developed at the grassroots level.
“That is why this training is free – to open doors of opportunity, to democratise knowledge, and to create a network of skilled technicians who will sustain the future of transport in our country. As we present your certificates today, remember that this is only the beginning. The road ahead is full of possibilities, and together, we will continue to innovate, collaborate, and scale solutions that benefit both people and the planet,” he said.
The head of infrastructure of Zoome, Sola Adedeji, said the scale of electric vehicles was ramping up, as there were over 1,500 bikes within a year.
“It is clear, anything that saves money, it will save over 40 per cent expenditure. When it comes to upfront cost as well, basically rivalry in the same Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles, basically the same price. Overall, I think for technology, it is just way better. The whole world is transiting from fossil fuels now, so I think basically it is just better than what we had before,” Adedeji said.
