ASSESSING THE PERCEPTIONS OF URBAN TRANSPORT STAKEHOLDERS IN NIGERIA FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE ADOPTION.

Abstract

This study assessed the readiness of urban transport systems in Nigeria for electric vehicle (EV) adoption, focusing on infrastructure, policy, perception, and behavioural intent. A mixed-method approach was adopted, involving a survey of 200 urban commuters across Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano, along with five stakeholder interviews that included government officials, EV dealers, transport operators, energy providers, and civil society representatives. Quantitative analysis using SPSS showed low mean scores for charging station availability (M = 2.31), electricity reliability (M = 2.22), and policy awareness (M = 2.39), indicating poor infrastructural preparedness. Regression analysis revealed that neither infrastructure factors (R² = 0.007) nor perception-related variables (R² = 0.005) significantly predicted behavioural intention to adopt EVs (p > 0.05). Thematic analysis of interview data identified Grid Readiness, Public Awareness, Investment Needs, Infrastructure Deficit, and Policy Gaps as key barriers. These findings suggest that Nigeria’s urban centres are still unprepared for a widespread EV rollout due to systemic and institutional constraints. The study recommends strategic investment in charging infrastructure, comprehensive policy development, public sensitization, and financial incentives to bridge existing gaps and enable a sustainable transition to electric mobility in Nigerian cities