The Electric Mobility Promoters Association of Nigeria (EMPAN) has launched an initiative to train roadside mechanics on the maintenance and repair of electric vehicles (EVs), aiming to reduce operational costs for transport operators by as much as 40 per cent.
The announcement was made on Saturday during EMPAN’s Certificate Presentation Ceremony for the first cohort of mechanics trained on electric okadas and kekes. EMPAN President, Mr. Dapo Adesina, said the programme was designed to prepare a local workforce capable of supporting Nigeria’s transition to sustainable transport.
“Electric vehicles are eco-friendly, and they help us meet our nationally determined contribution as a country. Transport accounts for about 25 per cent of emissions where we can decarbonise the environment. EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions and significantly reduce noise pollution,” Adesina said.
He further explained the economic advantages for operators. “The operational cost of running EVs is very cheap. You can save between 40 to 60 per cent of daily, weekly, or monthly costs when you use electric vehicles as opposed to internal combustion engines,” he noted.
Adesina emphasised that the training was part of EMPAN’s broader vision to empower local technicians and ensure no one is left behind in Nigeria’s shift to clean transport. “To our newly trained mechanics, I congratulate you for your commitment. You are the first responders and champions of this technology on our streets. The knowledge and skills you have gained will enhance your livelihoods and inspire confidence among everyday Nigerians to adopt electric mobility,” he said.
The association plans to monitor participants and facilitate job placements where necessary. “This is not just the conclusion of a training programme, but the beginning of a new chapter for sustainable transport in Nigeria. We will continue to innovate, collaborate, and scale solutions that benefit both people and the planet,” Adesina added.
Mr. Sola Adedeji, Head of Infrastructure at Zoome, highlighted the growing adoption of EVs in Lagos. “Within a year, over 1,500 electric bikes have been deployed. Anything that saves money, like EVs, will reduce expenditure by over 40 per cent. For technology, this is just better than what we had before, and the world is moving away from fossil fuels,” he said.
One of the trainers, Mr. Samuel Owoeye, urged Nigerians to consider electric vehicles due to their environmental and economic benefits. “The training focuses on testing, isolating, and fixing EV components. Switching to electric vehicles reduces emissions and noise, making them environmentally friendly,” Owoeye said.
EMPAN’s programme reflects an effort to democratise knowledge at the grassroots, build a skilled workforce, and strengthen Nigeria’s electric mobility ecosystem in line with the country’s climate and energy transition goals.
