Nigeria begins delivery of electric vehicles to civil servants

The Nigerian Federal Government has received the first batch of electric vehicles (EVs) intended for civil servants. This initiative is part of a broader national strategy to promote cleaner, more affordable transportation and expand alternative-energy infrastructure. The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) has already deployed EV infrastructure in approximately 16 universities across the country.

Alongside the EV rollout, the government is expanding Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) infrastructure. The number of companies licensed to retail gas has increased from four to 81, enhancing accessibility. While the transition offers potential fuel savings for travelers, officials noted that these savings have not yet consistently translated into lower commuter fares.

As EV adoption grows, the Federal Fire Service (FFS) has issued warnings regarding the unique safety challenges posed by lithium-ion batteries. Fire officials noted that EV fires can be triggered by thermal runaway, producing toxic vapors and posing a risk of reignition long after visible flames are out. Specialized equipment and cooling techniques are required to manage these incidents, which differ significantly from conventional petrol-powered vehicle fires.