By ebosele@hotmail.com –
The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) has commenced a sensitisation programme for transport operators participating in the E10 Bioethanol Pilot Programme as part of the Federal Government’s drive to promote cleaner transportation and strengthen Nigeria’s automotive industry.
City Business News reports that the programme, which began on Tuesday, is aimed at preparing transporters and other stakeholders for the implementation of the pilot scheme, which is expected to provide critical data for the adoption of cleaner transportation fuels in Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, the Director of the Vehicle Electrification Department, Engr. A. N. Ayinde, who represented the Director-General of NADDC, Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, welcomed participants and commended transport unions, NNPC Retail Limited, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), government agencies, technical partners and selected drivers for supporting the initiative.
Ayinde described the E10 Bioethanol Pilot Programme as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s transition to cleaner energy, explaining that the initiative involves the use of a fuel blend comprising 10 per cent bioethanol and 90 per cent Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
According to him, the pilot programme will evaluate the technical performance, operational feasibility, environmental benefits and economic viability of the fuel blend under Nigerian conditions, with the outcome expected to guide future policies on cleaner transportation fuels.
He stressed that transport operators play a critical role in the success of the programme, noting that their operational experience and feedback would provide valuable information for assessing the performance of E10 fuel in day-to-day operations.
Ayinde urged participants to actively engage in the pilot, ask questions and provide meaningful feedback throughout the implementation period.
He disclosed that representatives of NNPC Retail Limited would brief participants on fuel pricing, designated dispensing stations, product availability, operational readiness and procedures for accessing E10 fuel to ensure seamless implementation of the programme.
The Director reaffirmed NADDC’s commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to advance cleaner fuel technologies, improve environmental sustainability, enhance energy security and boost the competitiveness of Nigeria’s automotive industry.
He thanked participants for their cooperation and encouraged them to approach the pilot programme with professionalism and a shared commitment to achieving its objectives.
