Nigeria’s automotive industry is set for a significant shift towards cleaner and cheaper fuel options with the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) announcing the launch of a compressed natural gas (CNG) conversion workshop accreditation program.
This move comes amidst a growing CNG conversion market, with over 120 workshops and 466 technicians currently operating nationwide, according to data from Autogas Africa.
The NADDC Director-General, Oluwemimo Osanipin, highlighted the importance of safety and standardization in the burgeoning CNG conversion sector.
“As the regulatory agency for the automotive industry, NADDC is promoting and creating an enabling environment for the use of CNG as an alternative and cheaper transportation fuel,” Osanipin stated at a stakeholders’ engagement meeting in Abuja.
He emphasized the role of the NADDC in following up on the launch of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNG-i) – a successor to the National Gas Expansion Programme (NGEP).
Represented by Fidelis Achiv, Director of Research, Design and Development at NADDC, Osanipin explained that the stakeholders’ meeting served to educate CNG conversion workshop operators on the guidelines and regulations governing CNG conversion practices. This initiative aims to ensure a smooth rollout of the accreditation program and promote safe and reliable CNG conversion services across the country.
CNG: A Strategic Move for Nigeria’s Transportation Future
One of the key objectives of the P-CNG-i, as highlighted by Osanipin, is to leverage Nigeria’s abundant natural gas resources and utilize CNG as an alternative fuel source to mitigate the impact of potential subsidy removal on traditional petrol and diesel.
“Nigeria must leverage on the natural gas resources and transform it to an energy that will drive the automotive wheels of the nation,” Osanipin emphasized.
The NADDC has a history of promoting alternative fuel options. Over the past few years, the council has spearheaded awareness campaigns aimed at educating Nigerians about the benefits and safety of using CNG (autogas) as a substitute for traditional fuels like gasoline and diesel. Osanipin highlighted the success of these campaigns in encouraging Nigerians to utilize CNG conversion workshops.
He further noted the success of previous NADDC campaigns aimed at raising awareness about the safety and benefits of using CNG as an alternative fuel.
Projected Growth and Investment in the CNG Sector
The program coordinator, Zayyanu Tambari Yabo, presented optimistic projections for the CNG sector. Yabo projected that by 2027, Nigeria could witness the production of approximately one million CNG vehicles, attracting over N3 billion in investments. Yabo urged all stakeholders, including workshop operators and industry players, to join forces and ensure the success of the P-CNG-i.
Read Also: FG Ramps Up CNG Adoption with Duty Waivers and Conversion Incentives
If You Ask Me
The NADDC’s CNG conversion workshop accreditation program represents a significant step towards a more sustainable and cost-effective transportation landscape in Nigeria. By prioritizing safety and standardization, the program paves the way for increased CNG adoption, reduced reliance on traditional fuels, and potential economic benefits through job creation and investment in the sector.
With the combined efforts of NADDC, workshop operators, and other stakeholders, Nigeria’s transition to cleaner and more affordable transportation solutions seems well on its way.
