AIHS Urges Developers: Build for Energy Independence and Electric Mobility

In a critical call to action, the Africa International Housing Show (AIHS) has declared that Nigeria's future homes must be self-powered and equipped for electric vehicle (EV) integration to remain relevant amidst evolving energy and mobility demands. This urgent directive comes as Nigeria grapples with persistent electricity supply challenges and a burgeoning interest in electric vehicles.

The Mandate for Future-Ready Housing

Festus Adebayo, the Chief Executive Officer of the AIHS, emphasized this necessity ahead of the organization's 20th show, scheduled for July 2026. He warned that traditional housing designs, focused solely on basic structures, are no longer adequate for modern expectations. Adebayo’s statement highlighted the need for developers to adopt forward-looking strategies that integrate energy, mobility, technology, and affordability into home design.

'The future of housing is no longer just about providing shelter. It is about delivering complete living systems that integrate energy, mobility, technology and affordability. Developers can begin to build homes that are ready for the future, not just suitable for today.'
— Festus Adebayo, CEO, Africa International Housing Show

The AIHS further recommended practical measures for developers, including the installation of solar-powered systems with battery storage for reliable electricity, and the integration of EV-ready infrastructure like charging points and upgraded electrical systems. This push aligns with Nigeria's ongoing electricity supply challenges, with recent reports indicating scheduled maintenance and outages affecting various parts of the country into mid-2026.

Nigeria's Accelerating EV Market

The call for EV-ready homes comes amid a significant surge in electric vehicle adoption across Nigeria. Between 2020 and 2025, the country witnessed an estimated 400% increase in electric vehicles. As of late 2025 and early 2026, estimates suggest approximately 15,000 to 20,000 EVs are now on Nigerian roads, with adoption surging in urban centers like Lagos and Abuja. Projections indicate that by 2030, EVs could constitute about 10% of vehicles on Nigerian roads.

Government policies are actively fostering this transition. The Electric Vehicle Transition and Green Mobility Bill, 2025, aims to create a robust framework for EV adoption, mandating incentives for local production, establishing charging networks, and phasing out petrol-powered vehicles in government fleets. Additionally, the Nigeria Tax Act 2025 eliminates Value Added Tax (VAT) on EVs, further reducing barriers to entry. Local assembly plants, such as SAGLEV Electromobility Nigeria Limited, are already producing electric vehicles, with plans for significant expansion.

Growth in Electric Vehicles on Nigerian Roads (Estimated)

The Drive for Renewable Energy in Homes

Simultaneously, Nigeria's renewable energy sector is experiencing a transformative growth phase. The country has emerged as Africa's second-largest solar market, with installed capacity reaching 385.7 MWp by the end of 2024, and 63.5 MWp added in 2024 alone. Forecasts suggest a potential 5 GW to 8 GW of solar PV by 2030. Nigeria remains Africa's largest off-grid electricity market, with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) deploying 1,350 mini-grids and over a million solar home systems to address power shortages affecting an estimated 85 million people.

The removal of petrol subsidies in May 2023 and subsequent tariff increases have bolstered the cost-competitiveness of solar and battery systems, making self-generation an increasingly attractive option for households and businesses. Companies are bundling solar PV with battery storage to reduce reliance on diesel generators, which previously dominated backup power solutions. The integration of solar-powered systems into new residential developments, as advocated by AIHS, represents a crucial step towards energy independence and a sustainable future for Nigerian homeowners.

The convergence of a growing EV market and a booming renewable energy sector underscores the AIHS's vision for Nigeria's future homes. Developers who integrate self-powering solutions and EV charging capabilities will not only meet emerging demands but also contribute to a more resilient, sustainable, and economically viable housing landscape for the nation.