Nigeria is working towards the adoption of low-sulphur fuels as part of its efforts to reduce air pollution and promote cleaner energy.
Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, made this known in Abuja during the commemoration of the third International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies.
Lawal explained that the Federal Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), and other key stakeholders, is driving the transition.
“The Nigeria Industrial Standards (NIS) for petroleum products have been reviewed in line with AFRI IV standards and will soon be implemented,” he said.
On vehicular emissions, the minister noted that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is discouraging the importation of old vehicles, promoting local vehicle manufacturing, and advancing the adoption of alternative fuels such as Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).
He added that the government also supports the importation of electric vehicles, efficient mass transit systems via rail and waterways, and is prioritising CNG for its low emissions and affordability. Plans are also underway for a gradual transition to hydrogen and electric vehicles.
The initiative underscores Nigeria’s commitment to tackling air pollution, improving public health, and aligning with global clean energy standards.
