By ebosele@hotmail.com
Nigeria’s transition to cleaner transportation is set to gain fresh momentum as top government agencies converge at the 3rd Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) Auto Summit on July 30, 2026, to develop strategies for the safe and sustainable deployment of Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered vehicles.
The summit, scheduled to hold at the Radisson Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, is themed “Nigeria’s Clean Mobility Future: The EV and CNG Journey Under the Bola Tinubu Administration.”
Leading the discussions are the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed; the Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Joseph Osanipin; the Director-General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke; and the Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Olumode Samuel Adeyemi.
The summit will bring together senior government officials, automotive manufacturers, industry leaders, energy experts, investors, regulators and transport stakeholders to assess Nigeria’s progress in clean mobility and chart a practical roadmap for accelerating the adoption of alternative-fuel vehicles.
A major highlight of the event will be the presentation by the FRSC Corps Marshal, who is expected to unveil a comprehensive safety framework for the deployment of EVs and CNG-powered vehicles nationwide. His presentation will focus on vehicle certification, roadworthiness standards, emergency response procedures, accident prevention, technician training and public awareness, all aimed at ensuring the safe integration of cleaner vehicles into Nigeria’s transport system.
The NADDC Director-General, Joseph Osanipin, will deliver a keynote address on the future of Nigeria’s automotive industry within the Federal Government’s clean mobility agenda. He is expected to highlight policy initiatives, industrial growth opportunities and the critical role of local vehicle manufacturing in driving the country’s transition to cleaner transportation.
Similarly, SON Director-General, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, will discuss the development and enforcement of national standards covering electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, batteries, CNG conversion kits, cylinders and refuelling stations. He is also expected to outline measures to eliminate substandard products from the market while strengthening consumer confidence.
Complementing the discussions, Federal Fire Service Controller-General Olumode Samuel Adeyemi will speak on emergency preparedness for the emerging clean-energy transport ecosystem. His presentation will focus on national response protocols for EV and CNG-related incidents and strategies for equipping firefighters and other first responders with the specialised skills required to handle such emergencies.
Chairman of the Summit Organising Committee, Rasheed Bisiriyu, described this year’s edition as one of the most significant gatherings of stakeholders in Nigeria’s automotive industry, coming at a time when the Federal Government is intensifying efforts to reduce dependence on petrol and diesel through the promotion of CNG and electric vehicles.
According to him, the summit will provide a strategic platform to evaluate progress made under the current administration, identify implementation challenges and develop practical recommendations for accelerating the nationwide adoption of clean mobility technologies.
“The NAJA Auto Summit has evolved into a respected platform where policymakers and industry operators engage in constructive dialogue on issues affecting the automotive sector. This year’s theme reflects one of the most significant transitions taking place in Nigeria’s transport industry today,” Bisiriyu said.
He noted that discussions would extend beyond government policy to cover investment opportunities, infrastructure expansion, financing models, consumer awareness and the regulatory framework needed to support large-scale deployment of EVs and CNG-powered vehicles.
NAJA Chairman, Theodore Opara, said the summit comes at a defining moment as Nigeria seeks cleaner, more affordable and sustainable transportation alternatives amid rising mobility costs.
While acknowledging the country’s steady progress towards clean mobility, Opara stressed that long-term success would depend on stronger collaboration among government agencies, vehicle manufacturers, infrastructure developers, energy providers and consumers.
He noted that Nigeria’s abundant natural gas reserves make CNG a practical transition fuel but emphasised the need for substantial investment in refuelling stations, EV charging infrastructure and technical support services across the country.
Opara also underscored the importance of robust safety regulations, maintenance capacity and sustained public education to ensure the successful adoption of cleaner vehicle technologies.
Industry stakeholders believe the combined presentations by the FRSC, NADDC, SON and the Federal Fire Service will provide a comprehensive blueprint for addressing safety, quality assurance, emergency preparedness and regulatory issues associated with EVs and CNG-powered vehicles.
The summit is expected to produce actionable recommendations that will guide policymakers, regulators, investors and industry operators as Nigeria accelerates its journey toward a cleaner, safer and more sustainable transportation future.
