This is More than a Campaign, it’s a Movement.
What does it take to drive change in a system rooted in decades of fossil dependency?
In Nigeria, the answer might just lie in the hands of its people and the wheels under its government fleet.
Earlier this year, the Drive the Future campaign, a flagship initiative of the Youth Climate Collective, set out on a bold mission: to push for the electrification of all newly purchased government vehicles by Nigeria’s State House. But we knew that to demand accountability, we needed evidence. We needed to listen. And so, we asked.
Spanning across 14 states and the Federal Capital Territory, our nationwide survey reached thousands of Nigerians, young and old, urban and rural, hopeful and frustrated. What emerged from that data is a powerful, undeniable message: Nigerians are ready for the transition. Now, they are asking their leaders to take the wheel
What the Survey Revealed
Our findings offer more than just numbers; they’re a mirror reflecting public sentiment and urgency:
62% of respondents believe that the Nigerian government should prioritise the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs).
60% insist that government fleets must lead the transition, setting an example for businesses and individuals alike.
56% express deep concern about the environmental and health impacts of petrol and diesel vehicles.
Over 64% demand charging infrastructure and local manufacturing, recognising these as cornerstones of a truly Nigerian EV transition.
These statistics form the backbone of our advocacy. But beyond them lies a truth we've always known: the Nigerian people are not passive recipients of policy; they are active agents of change, ready to shape a future rooted in sustainability.
The Campaign’s Heartbeat: Why Drive it Matters
The Drive the Future campaign isn’t just about cleaner cars; it's about systemic transformation. At its core is one simple yet powerful demand:
"All newly issued government vehicles must be electric".
Why? Every naira spent in Nigeria’s national budget represents a decision, an opportunity to shape our national identity and future priorities. In 2025 alone, over ₦4.76 billion has been allocated for the purchase of government vehicles. If that money buys diesel-powered SUVs, we remain chained to the past. But if it funds electric vehicles, Nigeria signals a bold commitment to the future. The campaign directly aligns with Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan 2022 and the National Automotive Industry Development Plan 2023. These policies already envision a cleaner, more resilient transport sector. Our campaign is simply the ignition spark.
From Polls to Power
Our survey wasn’t just a public opinion exercise; it was a political tool, an advocacy engine, and a campaign catalyst. It serves three vital functions:
It legitimises our demands by grounding them in public sentiment.
It informs policy advocacy, ensuring that recommendations reflect grassroots realities.
It energises public awareness, transforming abstract policy goals into relatable, urgent action points.
As we publish and present these findings to federal policymakers, media outlets, and civil society allies, we’re not merely telling a story; we’re building a movement.
The Road Ahead - What We’re Asking
The data has spoken. Now, the Campaign is pushing for concrete next steps:
Immediate conversion of government fleets, starting with the State House.
Investment in solar-powered charging infrastructure to circumvent electricity constraints.
Support for local EV manufacturing and servicing, creating green jobs and industrial resilience.
Public transport electrification pilots in cities like Lagos, Abuja, Kano & Portharcourt.
Wider public education campaigns to shift cultural perceptions and normalise electric mobility.
A Call to Leadership and Legacy
Nigeria has long spoken the language of climate action. But speeches must now give way to steering wheels, policies to procurement plans, ambition to action. The presidency, the National Assembly, and every state government hold the keys to Nigeria’s energy transition. Will they use them?
This campaign began with a belief: that public institutions must walk the talk of climate leadership, starting with the State House. With our survey, that belief now has numbers, voices, and momentum behind it. We are reminded once more that the power of public data lies in what we do with it. These findings are not a conclusion; they are a springboard. And from here, we accelerate.
This is about placing Nigeria at the forefront of Africa’s energy transition, not as an afterthought, but as a leader. It's about showing that climate leadership isn't just found in declarations at COP summits, but in the very cars our President, ministers & other public officials use and the budgets we approve each year.
The time for EVs is now! The place for leadership is here!! And the wheel is in the government’s hands!!!
Let’s Drive the Future together!