The Federal Government has directed that all government vehicles must now comply with Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) standards, a move aimed at increasing demand for CNG and boosting sector investment. The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) is set to play a pivotal role in this transition by initiating the accreditation and certification process for CNG Conversion Workshops across Nigeria.
Dr. Fidelis Achiv, the Director of Research Design and Development at NADDC, announced the new regulatory framework during a stakeholder engagement in Abuja. This regulation is designed to ensure high safety standards as CNG becomes more integrated into Nigeria’s transportation system.
“Our goal is to provide the highest degree of safety assurance for CNG adoption,” Dr. Achiv said. “Only workshops and technicians that meet stringent requirements will be certified for CNG conversions. Certification will be essential for accessing CNG at gas stations.”
Under the new regulations, the NADDC will evaluate conversion kits, the workshop environment, and the qualifications of personnel involved in CNG conversions. Certified workshops will issue a QR Code with each converted vehicle, which will be necessary for refueling at CNG stations. Vehicles converted by uncertified entities will be barred from accessing CNG.
Zayannu Tambari, Coordinator for Regulatory Compliance and Facilitation of the Presidential CNG Initiative, emphasized the importance of conversion centers in the success of the CNG program. “The Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology, the National Board for Technical Education, and the Standards Organization of Nigeria are collaborating with NADDC and the Presidential CNG Initiative to ensure that technicians and conversion workshops are fully prepared and compliant,” Tambari stated.
In addition to the NADDC’s efforts, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has assured the public of the safety of CNG vehicles. Assistant Corp Marshal Ramalan Yerima, representing the FRSC Comptroller General, affirmed the commitment to maintaining safety standards for CNG-equipped vehicles.
The Federal Government’s directive is expected to drive substantial growth in the CNG sector, enhancing environmental sustainability and stimulating economic development through increased investment and job creation.
