By Faridat Salifu
The Federal Government has launched new National Occupational Standards (NOS) for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Electric Vehicles (EVs) to strengthen Nigeria’s automotive industry and accelerate the clean energy transition.
Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Enoh, announced the development in Abuja during the official presentation of the new standards.
According to Enoh, the initiative reflects the government’s practical commitment to industrial competitiveness, clean energy adoption, and workforce development.
The new standards were developed by the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) in partnership with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
The NOS covers critical technical areas including the conversion, calibration, and maintenance of gas-powered, electric, and hybrid vehicles.
The unveiling also featured new national guidelines to ensure safety, uniformity, and standardisation in CNG conversions at authorised centres.
Director-General of NADDC, Joseph Osanipin, said the NOS would harmonise training across universities, polytechnics, and technical colleges under the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF).
Osanipin added that technicians could earn formal certification up to Level Five under the NSQF, improving their employability and access to global job opportunities.
He noted that the framework would help reduce Nigeria’s reliance on petrol and diesel, lower carbon emissions, and harness the country’s natural gas reserves.
Also speaking, the CEO of the Presidential CNG Initiative, Michael Oluwagbemi, underscored the importance of private sector participation in expanding CNG infrastructure.
He referenced upcoming projects by major players in the industry, including the rollout of 200 refuelling stations nationwide, and called for broader investment to support cleaner transport.
In March 2025, the Federal Government launched a N2.5 billion Credit Scheme to support CNG vehicle conversions and local manufacturing of CNG kits, according to Nairametrics.
The initiative aligns with national efforts to promote gas-powered mobility, lower fuel costs, support environmental sustainability, and grow Nigeria’s autogas ecosystem.
