By Sandra Kenneth
Key automotive industry stakeholders have raised concerns over critical safety gaps threatening Nigeria’s transition to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Electric Vehicles (EVs).
Industry experts, regulatory authorities, and safety agencies warned that weak regulation, insufficient testing facilities, and low public awareness could derail the Federal Government’s clean mobility agenda if left unaddressed.
The warnings were delivered at the 3rd Nigeria Auto Industry Summit in Lagos, organized by the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association in collaboration with the National Automotive Design and Development Council. The summit was themed “Nigeria’s Clean Mobility Future: The EV and CNG Journey Under the President Bola Tinubu Administration.”
Proliferation of Substandard Conversion Kits
Speaking at the event, the Director-General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke—represented by Deputy Director of Research and Statistics, Olalekan Omoniyi—emphasized that while CNG and EV technologies are inherently safe, substandard components pose severe hazards.
“CNG and EV technologies are inherently safe when designed, manufactured, installed, and maintained according to standards,” Okeke said. “However, they become dangerous when uncertified products and poor installation practices flood the market. Compliance with established standards is non-negotiable.”
Highlighting the real-world dangers, Omoniyi cited a recent CNG cylinder explosion in an Audi 80 vehicle along the Benin-Auchi Expressway in Edo State. Investigations revealed that the blast was caused by an uncertified cylinder that failed to comply with the Nigerian Gas Vehicle Installation Standard (NNG 1214:2024).
SON identified the rapid proliferation of informal conversion centers and an influx of grey-market CNG cylinders as major threats outpacing current enforcement capabilities. Additionally, the agency noted that standard frameworks for EV battery safety, charging interoperability, and recycling are still evolving, requiring urgent investment in modern testing laboratories and technical expertise.
Despite these hurdles, SON reassured the public that certified clean mobility products remain safe and dependable.
Regulatory Action and Safety Frameworks
In response to the emerging risks, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) announced it is developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the regulation and operational deployment of EVs and CNG-powered vehicles.
FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed stressed that road safety must sit at the core of the nation’s energy transition.
“As cleaner mobility gains momentum, regulatory institutions must evolve alongside emerging technologies,” Mohammed stated. “The FRSC is positioning itself to support this transition through enhanced safety regulations, stakeholder engagement, and clear SOPs to build public confidence.”
Mohammed added that the FRSC is actively collaborating with relevant government bodies and private sector partners to align national road safety regulations with global automotive standards.
