The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) has called for increased private-sector investment in compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric vehicle infrastructure to accelerate Nigeria’s transition to cleaner transportation.
The Council’s Director-General, Mr Joseph Osanipin, made the call in Abuja at a media workshop organised for members of Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CICAN).
Osanipin said the automotive industry was expanding rapidly and required greater public attention, stressing that sustained media coverage was essential to inform Nigerians about developments in the sector.
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“The automotive industry is an industry that is growing up and it needs some growth.
“It’s about to explode in our society, we need to focus more, give attention more and sensitise people about the happenings in the industry,” he said.
According to him, the Council had made significant progress in developing Nigeria’s automotive industry, but much of its work remained unknown to the public.
“If you don’t amplify what you’re doing, nobody will know what you’re doing,” Osanipin said.
He noted that the country had moved from a period when virtually no assembly plants were operational to having about 40 functioning plants.
The Council DG urged journalists to help amplify developments in the automotive sector and provide Nigerians with accurate information about ongoing initiatives.
He said the Council was also supporting the transition towards cleaner mobility, particularly through CNG and electric vehicles.
According to him, NADDC had commenced the training of technicians across the country on CNG vehicle conversion and installation, while also licensing commercial conversion centres.
Pilot Electric Vehicle Projects
Osanipin disclosed that the Council had conducted pilot electric vehicle projects in some universities, including the installation of charging stations, but stressed that private investors needed to take the initiative further.
“We have done our best. We know it is an expensive project, we have done some pilot samples in some higher institutions.
“We installed charging stations. It is left for investors now to take up from there,” he said.
According to the Director General, widespread charging infrastructure is necessary to make electric vehicles practical for long-distance travel in Nigeria.
Hee urged investors to establish charging and CNG refuelling stations nationwide, noting that such infrastructure would give electric and CNG vehicle owners confidence to travel across the country.
The NADDC Director General also called on private investors to take advantage of emerging opportunities and build on the foundation being laid by the Council.
Osanipin was represented at the workshop by the Director of Media, Mrs Susan Taiwo.
