By ebosele@hotmail.com –
The Federal Government (FG) has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating Nigeria’s transition to cleaner, safer and more affordable transportation through the expansion of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) infrastructure, promotion of electric vehicles (EVs), support for local vehicle manufacturing and stronger public-private partnerships.
City Business News reports the commitment was reiterated on Thursday at the 3rd Nigeria Auto Industry Summit organised by the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) in Lagos, where industry stakeholders agreed that collaboration, robust standards, road safety and sustained investment are critical to achieving Nigeria’s clean mobility goals.
Speaking on behalf of the Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG & EV), Barrister Ismaeel Ahmed, the Initiative’s Chief Compliance Officer, Engr. Zayyanu Tamberi Yabo, said the Tinubu administration’s clean mobility programme has evolved from policy discussions into a major component of the country’s transport and energy agenda.
Addressing participants at the summit themed, “Nigeria’s Clean Mobility Future: The EV and CNG Journey Under the Bola Tinubu Administration,” Ahmed explained that the Presidential Initiative was established to develop a complete ecosystem that supports infrastructure development, investment, vehicle conversion, local manufacturing, technical capacity building and consumer confidence.
According to him, the initiative was conceived following the removal of fuel subsidy to provide Nigerians with a practical and affordable transport alternative by leveraging the nation’s abundant natural gas resources.
“Our approach from the beginning has been to build the foundations of a sustainable industry rather than pursue isolated interventions,” he said.
Ahmed noted that the initiative has continued to collaborate with regulators, investors, conversion companies, vehicle manufacturers, financial institutions, transport unions, development partners and state governments to accelerate implementation.
He disclosed that Nigeria’s CNG ecosystem has expanded significantly over the past two years, with certified conversion centres increasing nationwide, new refuelling stations under development through public and private sector investments, and rising adoption of CNG by commercial transport operators and private motorists due to its lower operating costs.
He added that thousands of technicians have been trained to ensure safe and professional vehicle conversion services across the country.
Ahmed also highlighted partnerships with financial institutions, energy companies and automobile manufacturers aimed at improving access to financing, attracting investments and encouraging wider adoption of clean mobility technologies.
He described the Nigeria Gas Vehicle Monitoring System (NGVMS) as a major milestone that will enhance transparency, safety, regulatory oversight and consumer confidence within the CNG conversion industry.
While acknowledging the growing popularity of CNG because of its immediate economic benefits, Ahmed stressed that Nigeria’s long-term clean transportation future would depend on multiple technologies, including electric vehicles.
He said government is engaging investors, manufacturers and development partners to support EV deployment, charging infrastructure, local assembly and policies that will sustain market growth.
Despite the progress recorded, Ahmed identified infrastructure expansion, consumer financing, local manufacturing capacity, technical training, research, innovation and standardisation as areas requiring greater attention.
He stressed that addressing these challenges would require stronger collaboration among government agencies, investors, manufacturers, transport operators, financial institutions, development partners and the media.
He reaffirmed that the Presidential Initiative would continue expanding CNG infrastructure nationwide, strengthen regulatory collaboration, encourage investment in vehicle conversion and local manufacturing, improve financing access and build a commercially viable clean mobility ecosystem.
Earlier, NAJA Chairman, Theodore Opara, described the summit as more than an industry gathering, saying it provides a strategic platform for shaping the future of Nigeria’s automotive sector.
He observed that countries across the world are embracing cleaner transportation technologies to reduce carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency and build sustainable economies, warning that Nigeria cannot afford to be left behind.
According to Opara, reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration have created fresh momentum for CNG, electric vehicles, local automotive manufacturing and sustainable transportation. However, he stressed that the success of the reforms would depend on stronger collaboration among government, regulators, manufacturers, financiers, researchers, infrastructure providers and the media.
He urged participants to ensure that deliberations produce practical recommendations capable of influencing policy, attracting investment, expanding local production, strengthening automotive value chains and promoting skills development.
Opara also challenged automotive journalists to remain partners in national development through accurate, balanced and constructive reporting that supports informed policymaking and investor confidence.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, represented by Engr. Olalekan Omoniyi, said Nigeria’s clean mobility ambitions can only be realised through internationally recognised standards, certification and strict regulatory compliance.
He noted that standards form the foundation of a safe, reliable and globally competitive EV and CNG ecosystem.
According to him, SON has developed more than 80 Nigerian Industrial Standards for CNG vehicles and equipment, alongside 87 additional standards and the National Nigeria Guideline (NNG 1214:2024) for CNG vehicle conversions.
He added that the organisation is also developing standards for electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, batteries, charging connectors and battery-swapping systems.
Omoniyi warned against the proliferation of uncertified CNG conversion centres and substandard equipment, noting that poor installations have contributed to explosions and fire incidents.
He called on government to make certification compulsory for imported and locally assembled EVs, CNG vehicles, conversion kits and charging equipment, while expanding testing facilities and public awareness campaigns.
Similarly, the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, said Nigeria’s clean mobility transition must be anchored on road safety to achieve its objectives.
He explained that as alternative fuel vehicles become more common, regulatory institutions must adapt through specialised training, stronger enforcement and updated operational guidelines.
According to him, the FRSC is already strengthening safety regulations, engaging stakeholders and developing operational frameworks for EVs and CNG-powered vehicles.
He emphasised that the transition to cleaner mobility should not only improve environmental sustainability but also enhance road safety, vehicle standards and public confidence.
