When the list of oil producing countries are mentioned globally, Nigeria will always make it into the list.

However, the oil producing countries has had issues in terms being able to maximise the resources and getting maximum satisfaction out of the natural resources.

Even as alternative source of energy and renewable energy are being explored across the globe, Nigeria has vehemently refused to move along with the trend.

 

In a recent argument over the adoption of innovative technology, the Deputy Senate President (DSP) in the Nigerian Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, has stated 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 made his position known today at the Plenary  while senators debated a bill sponsored by Senator Ben Murray-Bruce (PDP Bayelsa East).

It would be recalled that Murray-Bruce had sponsored a bill for an Act to phase out petrol vehicles by 2035 and introduce electric cars.

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, DSP 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 more friendly to the environment and health, making its use mandatory was not feasible.

“We have to look at individual networth. 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,” he said.

In defeat of his motion for sponsoring the bill, Sen Murray-Bruce withdrew the bill ultimately.

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