Kojo Motors, NADDC launch CNG facility in Owerri

Kojo Motors and the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) have launched a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion Centre in Owerri, the capital of Imo state, to promote safer mobility.

Joseph Osanipin, director-general of NADDC, in his speech at the CNG Empowerment and Awareness Summit 2025 with the theme ‘Building a Youth-Based Nation through Cleaner Energy’ said that the NADDC had equipped technicians with the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to safely and efficiently convert vehicles to run on CNG

The NADDC which is a parastatal of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, has the regulatory oversight on the Nigerian Automotive Industry to initiate, recommend, supervise, and regulate policies and programs for locally manufactured vehicles and components in Nigeria.

Osanipin noted that the council has worked tirelessly to ensure the survival and growth of this sector to enhance its contribution to the national economy.

He said that as part of the CNG Conversion program, 60 technicians had received hands-on training in converting vehicles to run on CNG.

“The cylinders used in CNG vehicles are fortified, making them safer than traditional vehicle fuel tanks,” Osanipin said.

Anoka Njan, representative of the minister for Industry, praised the NADDC and Kojo Motors efforts, stating that the ministry fully supports the initiative as part of broader efforts to alleviate challenges in the auto industry and empower the youth.

Emeka Ukaegbu, commissioner for youth development who spoke at the summit on behalf of Governor Hope Uzodinma emphasised the immense potential of CNG in easing Nigeria’s transportation challenges and improving the economy.

“CNG offers a safer, cleaner, and cheaper alternative to the hardships many face in the country,” Ukeagbu said.

The governor’s administration is partnering with NADDC and automotive industry bodies to establish conversion workshops and CNG refilling stations across Imo State, ensuring that the state plays a key role in this important shift toward greener energy solutions.

Read also: NADDC launches CNG empowerment, awareness summit in Imo

The event marks a significant step in NADDCs ongoing efforts to transform Nigeria’s automotive industry, making it more sustainable while creating new opportunities for skilled technicians and local communities.

Chinedu Oguegbu, managing director of OMAA, the vehicle brand promoting the petrol-powered CNG Conversion project, highlighted the economic benefits of running vehicles on CNG instead of petrol.

Oguegbu said that these economic advantages include savings of up to 60 percent in the cost of fuel relative to dirtier options like diesel and petrol.

“There is up to 90 percent reduction in knocks and carbon emission, healthier, cleaner and more environmentally friendly.

“Besides savings in foreign exchange (FX) with the abundance of gas locally, there are also massive resources in-country over 203 tcf of proven reserves that require no refining and relatively lower investment for processing,” Oguegbu said.

He noted that Nigeria has an estimated 15-20 million vehicles in operation that can be converted to dual-fuel or bi-fuel.

He reiterated the crucial need to provide an alternative to the existing fuel system which is already possible with the abundance of CNG as an option.

Chino Ogwumike, the national sales manager, while delivering his goodwill message, thanked the DG of NADDC for partnering with Kojo Motors Limited in this laudable project in Owerri, the heartland of the southeast of Nigeria and the government of Imo state for accepting to provide the land for building the CNG hub in the state capital.

Ogwumike stated that the flourishing automotive dealership with branches spread across the country under the visionary leadership of the founder and executive chairman, Ikenna Oguegbu is strongly committed to contributing its quota towards the progress and development of Nigeria’s automotive sector and the overall economy.