Mustapaha Muhammad Tukur
In line with the global shift from the use of petrol and diesel in the automotive industry to cleaner and more environmental friendly fuels, the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), as the regulatory agency for the Nigerian automotive industry, has unveiled the NADDC AUTO GAS APP as a calculated move to promote the transition to alternative and cheaper means of fueling vehicles with the use of Auto Gas.
This was disclosed by the Director General, NADDC, Mr. Jelani Aliyu, MFR, at the Gas Powered Vehicle Awareness Campaign with the theme “Safety and Benefits of Using Gas Powered Vehicles” held today Tuesday, 28th of September, 2021, at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.
Mr. Aliyu, in his welcome address, said the Automotive Industry is rapidly gaining momentum on strategic transitioning from the use of petroleum or diesel to Electric Vehicles (EV) and National Gas Powered Vehicles.
According to the Director General, the continuous use of conventional fuels such as petroleum and diesel in vehicles contributes a global warming and climate change which is detrimental to human health as it causes the pollution of our precious natural environment.
“This campaign initiative is technically and economically feasible because Nigeria is naturally endowed with an abundance of natural gas deposits, and is ranked the first in Africa as the country with the most National Gas reserves”
He also reaffirmed that vehicles that use Autogas, also known as Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) or Compressed National Gas (CNG) are safe, environmentally friendly and cost effective.
The NADDC Auto Gas App shall therefore serve as a platform for people to locate Autogas convertion centers actoss the country.
Similarly, the Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) who was represented by Dr. Adewale Bakare, Director, Industrial Development Department, FMITI, in his keynote remarks acknowledged that the ceremony is a great step in a major programme which among other things tackles environmental challenges and provides cheaper fuel for Nigerians.
He further said that the federal government has rolled out the National Gas Expansion Programme, which involves the conversion of petrol and diesel powered cars and generators to gas.
“This aligns with the federal government’s plan to make gas the first choice for cheaper and cleaner energy. The plan is expected to deliver at least 1 million vehicle conversion by the end of 2021”
The Board Chairman NADDC, Senator Osita Izunaso, in his goodwill message also stated that the use of Auto Gas is one of the sure ways of reducing the emissions from petrol and diesel. He also emphasized that vehicles that are produced or converted to run on Auto gas emit fewer harmful emissions associated with the traditional fuels and therefore offer the best environmental alternative.
Autogas conversion company, THLD, showcased the vehicles it had converted from petrol to gas.
Other stakeholders showcased their factory made gas powered vehicles at the venue: they included Omaa Motors, PAN, Simba/TVS and Stallion/Bajaj.