By Faridat Salifu
As the search for energy security in Nigeria deepens, government and industry experts have harped on the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Electric Vehicles (EVs)as sustainable alternatives to petrol.
Speaking at the recent 9th Annual Training Workshop for Nigeria’s Auto Journalists Association (NAJA), federal government officials and automotive sector leaders reaffirmed the country’s commitment to energy security through the adoption of the two alternatives.
The event, held in Lagos, addressed the theme: “CNG/LPG/EV Initiative: Challenges, Sustainability, Opportunities, and Alternatives to Fossil Fuels in Nigeria.”
Joseph Osanipin, Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), and Michael Oluwagbemi, Program Director of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PICNG), both described the adoption of alternative fuels as essential for Nigeria’s economic and environmental future.
Osanipin and Oluwagbemi both cited the high price of petrol and its burden on the cost of living as a major reason for embracing CNG and EVs.
Osanipin highlighted the NADDC’s focus on establishing technical frameworks and standards to support CNG-powered vehicles and promote EV technology.
The NADDC helmsman disclosed that the council is working towards converting government fleets to CNG and set up automotive training centers across the country which, he said, will position Nigeria as a leader in sustainable transportation in Africa.
“The move to CNG and EVs is about more than just reducing petrol use,” Osanipin said, explaining, “It’s about securing Nigeria’s energy future, protecting the environment, and creating economic resilience.”
He posited, “As we reduce dependency on fossil fuels, we’re also opening doors to innovation in the automotive sector.”
Oluwagbemi, on his part, said the transition to the two alternatives aligns with Nigeria’s larger economic goals, stressing that CNG offers a viable and more affordable option for Nigerians.
He noted that the shift to CNG and EVs would help address both high fuel costs and the environmental impact of traditional fuels.
NAJA Chairman Mike Ochonma reiterated that auto journalists play a critical role in raising awareness on the government’s energy initiatives.
He acknowledged that with petrol prices rising exponentially, Nigerians are increasingly looking to affordable alternatives like CNG, which government officials describe as safer and environmentally friendly.