Stakeholders in Nigeria’s automotive sector have expressed concerns over safety challenges that could hinder the country’s transition to Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles, warning that weak regulatory oversight, limited testing infrastructure and low public awareness may slow the Federal Government’s clean mobility drive.
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria cautioned that inadequate enforcement of standards and the continued circulation of uncertified products could trigger safety incidents capable of weakening public trust and discouraging investment in the emerging industry.
The Federal Road Safety Corps also revealed that it is developing Standard Operating Procedures for the deployment and regulation of CNG-powered and electric vehicles to ensure Nigeria complies with international safety and operational standards.
The concerns were raised during the third edition of the Nigeria Auto Industry Summit, organised by the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association in collaboration with the National Automotive Design and Development Council in Lagos over the weekend.
The summit was themed ‘Nigeria’s Clean Mobility Future: The EV and CNG Journey Under the President Bola Tinubu Administration.’
Presenting a paper at the event, the Director-General of SON, Dr Ifeanyi Okeke, said the country’s shift to cleaner transportation would only achieve its objectives if strict compliance with standards, effective regulation and public confidence remain top priorities.
Represented by the agency’s Deputy Director of Research and Statistics, Olalekan Omoniyi, the SON chief noted that although CNG and electric vehicle technologies are considered safe globally, the use of uncertified components and poor installation practices could create significant safety risks.
He said: “CNG and EV technologies are inherently safe when they are designed, manufactured, installed and maintained in accordance with recognised national and international standards.
“But they become dangerous when uncertified products and poor installation practices are allowed into the market. The integrity of the entire system depends on compliance with established standards.”
Omoniyi cited the explosion of a CNG cylinder installed in an Audi 80 at a filling station along the Benin-Auchi Expressway in Edo State, noting that investigations linked the incident to the use of an uncertified cylinder and non-compliance with the Nigerian Gas Vehicle Installation Standard, NNG 1214:2024.
He identified the growing number of informal vehicle conversion centres as one of the industry’s major challenges, explaining that the increasing influx of grey-market CNG cylinders and conversion kits has outpaced regulatory inspections and enforcement efforts.
He said: “The standards framework for electric vehicles in Nigeria is still evolving, particularly in areas relating to battery safety, charging interoperability, battery recycling and second-life applications.
“Standards must keep pace with rapidly evolving global technologies. In addition, high-pressure cylinder testing and high-voltage battery evaluation require sustained investment in modern laboratories and highly skilled technical personnel.”
Despite these concerns, Omoniyi assured Nigerians that the government’s clean mobility initiative remains safe provided certified products and approved installation procedures are strictly followed.
“We want Nigerians to have confidence in this initiative. Certified CNG and EV products are safe, reliable and built to meet approved quality standards. What we must eliminate are fake products and unqualified installers,” he added.
Also addressing participants, FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed said the agency was establishing operational frameworks to support the safe rollout and adoption of cleaner transportation technologies nationwide.
According to him, ensuring road safety must remain a central consideration as Nigeria embraces alternative fuel vehicles.
Mohammed said, “As cleaner mobility gains momentum, regulatory institutions must evolve alongside emerging technologies.
“The FRSC is already positioning itself to support the transition through enhanced safety regulations, stakeholder engagement and the development of Standard Operating Procedures for EVs and CNG-powered vehicles.
“Cleaner mobility should not only reduce emissions, but also improve road safety, strengthen vehicle standards and build public confidence in these emerging technologies.”
He added that the Corps is working closely with government institutions and industry stakeholders to ensure road safety regulations evolve alongside technological advancements in the automotive sector.
Earlier, Chairman of the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association, Theodore Opara, described the summit as a strategic forum for shaping the future of Nigeria’s automotive industry rather than merely an industry gathering.
He observed that many countries are accelerating the adoption of cleaner transportation technologies to reduce carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency and build sustainable economies, stressing that Nigeria must not be left behind.
“This summit is more than an industry conference,” Opara said.
He added, “It is a strategic platform to shape the future of Nigeria’s automotive industry. The global automotive landscape is changing rapidly, and Nigeria must accelerate its transition if it is to remain competitive and fully benefit from the opportunities presented by clean mobility.”
