An entrepreneur and Chief Executive Officer of Tropicalgate Foundation, Dr Nnamdi Mbaigbo, has urged the federal government of Nigeria to grant duty waivers for manufacturers, assemblers, and importers of electric vehicles and solar-powered systems.

Mbaigbo, who stated this in a statement in Awka on Saturday, argued that granting duty waivers would contribute immensely towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and generally mitigating the impact of climate change for sustainable development.

He said, “By incentivizing their production and import, we contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change. Duty waivers would encourage investment in electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing and assembly within Nigeria, fostering job creation and technological advancement.

“Waiving import duties for EV components and solar equipment would stimulate local production. This, in turn, supports our domestic industries and enhances self-reliance. Assemblers and manufacturers would benefit from reduced costs, allowing them to offer competitive prices to consumers. Solar power systems contribute significantly to energy diversification. 

“By supporting their import and local assembly, we enhance our energy security and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. It would facilitate the adoption of solar energy solutions across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Nigeria can align with global sustainability goals and attract foreign investment,” Mbaigbo stated