Electric and Hybrid Vehicles as Emission-mitigation Strategies: Lessons from Nigeria within Global Sustainable Transportation Discourses

Abstract

The transport sector in Nigeria is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and urban air pollution. This study investigates the contrasting trends in emissions from electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid-electric vehicles (HEV) and fossil fuel-powered vehicles in Nigeria. The objective of this paper is to explore the role of electric and hybrid vehicles as sustainable transportation options that contribute to emission reduction. It examines the environmental, economic, and technological implications of adopting these vehicles, with a specific focus on Nigeria. It also evaluates global best practices and how they can inform domestic policies and infrastructure development. Using recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), International Energy Agency (IEA) and the World Bank, scholarly articles and industry sources, the study finds that emissions from EVs are declining, driven by increased adoption, government incentives, and rising public awareness of environmental issues and climate change mitigation. In contrast, emissions from fossil fuel vehicles continue to rise due to rapid growth in vehicle ownership, the prevalence of aging and inefficient vehicles, substandard fuel quality, and inadequate public transport infrastructure. The study concludes that while Nigeria’s efforts to promote EVs are yielding positive results, these gains risk being undermined unless systemic challenges in the broader transport sector are addressed. The paper recommends a comprehensive policy approach, including stronger EV incentives, improved fuel quality regulations, modern public transport investment and stricter emissions standards, to achieve sustained reductions in transport-related emissions. These findings contribute to the discourse on sustainable transportation pathways in developing economies.