Murray-Bruce withdraws bill on electric cars in Nigeria

Abiodun OBA |

Senator Ben Murray-Bruce (PDP Bayelsa East) has withdrawn his bill for an Act to phase out petrol vehicles by 2035 and introduce electric cars.

The withdrawal followed overwhelming arguments against the bill.

Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, has said that, as an oil producing country, sale of electric cars in Nigeria should be frustrated.

“This will enable us to sell our oil,” Ekweremadu argued.

Ekweremadu spoke at the Plenary on Wednesday as the senators debated the bill.

In his argument, the senator had argued that electric cars are healthy, economical and would not deplete the ozone layer.

“In no distant time, combustible vehicles would be phased out; and the earlier Nigeria buys into the change, the better.

“I own an electric car that I have been using for the past five years. It is cheaper to maintain and durable,” the senator added.

The bill ignited debates in the hallowed chamber, as each senator aired reasons for the rejection of the bill.

In his submission, Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu commended Murray-Bruce for his “uncommon common sense and brilliant ideas,” but noted that the ancillary to Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution grants Nigerians freedom of movement; and that there is no need to introduce a law to mandate the use of electric cars.

Continuing, Ekweremadu said, “Besides, in economic sense, we are an oil producing country. So, we should do everything possible to frustrate the sale of electric cars in Nigeria to enable us to sell our oil.”

Senator Barau Jibrin (APC-Kano) said while electric vehicles no doubt would be friendlier to the environment and health, making its use mandatory was not feasible.

“We have to look at individual net worth. Not all Nigerians can afford the vehicles at a given time.

“We all know the importance of vehicles in our daily activities. So, banning use of fuel cars will cause hardship, particularly for those who may not be able to acquire electric cars.