NADDC Assures Motorists of CNG Vehicle Safety

The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) has reassured Nigerians about the safety of vehicles converted to operate on compressed natural gas (CNG), an energy source proven to be much more affordable than petrol or diesel.The government agency has converted some of its official vehicles to CNG and has also purchased fully built CNG vehicles to add to its fleet.

The Director-General of the NADDC, Oluwemimo Osanipin, shared updates at a Lagos workshop organized by the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association. The event, themed "CNG/LPG/EV Initiative: Challenges, Sustainability, Opportunities, Alternatives to Fossil Fuels in Nigeria," addressed safety and expansion efforts for CNG-powered vehicles in Nigeria.

Osanipin, represented by Assistant Director Ikechukwu Okoha, emphasized NADDC’s commitment to safety in gas-powered vehicles. “To demonstrate this commitment, the Council has converted several vehicles to CNG and has procured locally assembled gas-powered vehicles,” he said.

NADDC is collaborating with world-class OEMs to introduce the highest quality CNG conversion solutions into Nigeria, highlighting its active role in the CNG penetration program. Osanipin explained that the adoption of CNG, alongside electric vehicles, aims to address energy security and environmental issues, particularly in response to fuel subsidy removal and concerns over global warming.

The NADDC has partnered with experts in conversion technology to create National Occupational Standards (NOS) for the conversion, calibration, and maintenance of autogas vehicles (CNG/LPG/LNG). These standards, validated by industry practitioners and approved by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), will train auto technicians on the skills required for converting, repairing, and maintaining gas-powered vehicles.

Osanipin detailed further initiatives, including local workforce training and the production of conversion kits, as well as establishing a CNG conversion portal for the registration, accreditation, and licensing of CNG conversion workshops nationwide. NADDC recently hosted a stakeholders’ forum on CNG conversion workshop accreditation, coordinated a national conference on youth potential in the Nigerian automotive sector, and organized technician training on CNG conversions with Lanre Shittu Motors. This training, involving 45 technicians from Ekiti State, provided participants with modern tools and equipment.

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