Nigeria’s EV, CNG Drive Gains Momentum as Auto Giants, Regulators Unite for 2026 Auto Industry Summit

Leading automobile manufacturers, transport regulators and key government agencies have confirmed their participation in the 2026 Nigeria Auto Industry Summit (NAISU), signalling strong industry support for Nigeria’s transition to Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered transportation.

The annual summit, organised by the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) in collaboration with the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), will bring together policymakers, investors, financial institutions, fleet operators, technology providers and other stakeholders to explore practical strategies for accelerating the adoption of cleaner and more sustainable mobility solutions in Nigeria.

Among the major automobile companies that have thrown their weight behind this year’s summit are Weststar Associates Limited, Toyota (Nigeria) Limited, Jetour Nigeria, Carloha Nigeria, Simba Group, Cedric Masters Group, Coscharis Motors, Lanre Shittu Motors and several other leading players in the automotive value chain.

The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, has also confirmed his participation as a keynote speaker as he is expected to address issues bordering on road safety, regulation and the deployment of EVs and CNG-powered vehicles in Nigeria.

Also confirmed as guest speakers are the Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Joseph Osanipin, and the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG and EV), Ismaeel Ahmed. They are expected to provide insights into the Federal Government’s automotive industrialisation agenda, clean mobility policies and ongoing efforts to accelerate the adoption of EVs and CNG-powered vehicles across Nigeria.

The third edition of the summit which is scheduled to hold on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at the Radisson Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, is expected to serve as a high-level platform for dialogue on Nigeria’s automotive future, with discussions focusing on the opportunities and challenges associated with the country’s transition to EVs and CNG-powered vehicles. Participants will also examine policy reforms, infrastructure development, financing options, local manufacturing, vehicle assembly, skills development and investment opportunities needed to drive the sector’s growth.

The theme of this year’s event is: “Nigeria’s Clean Mobility Future: The EV and CNG Journey Under the Bola Tinubu Administration.”

Chairman of the 2026 Auto Summit Planning Committee, Rasheed Bisiriyu, said the event comes at a critical period as Nigeria intensifies efforts to drive cleaner transportation through the adoption of electric vehicles and compressed natural gas.

According to him, the summit will bring together government officials, automotive manufacturers, regulators, energy experts and transport stakeholders to assess ongoing reforms and develop practical strategies for advancing the country’s clean mobility agenda.

“The summit comes at a critical period when Nigeria is implementing policies aimed at reducing transportation costs, lowering carbon emissions and encouraging greater investment in alternative energy mobility solutions,” Bisiriyu said.

He added that discussions would review the progress made under the Bola Tinubu administration in promoting EV and CNG adoption while identifying policy, infrastructure and financing gaps requiring urgent attention.

According to him, participants will also examine strategies for expanding EV charging infrastructure and CNG refuelling stations, promoting local vehicle assembly, improving consumer awareness, attracting private sector investment and strengthening the regulatory framework needed to support sustainable transportation.

Bisiriyu noted that the summit is designed to move beyond policy conversations by generating practical recommendations capable of accelerating Nigeria’s transition to cleaner mobility.

Also speaking, NAJA Chairman, Theodore Opara, said the annual Auto Summit has evolved into one of Nigeria’s foremost automotive policy dialogue platforms, bringing together government institutions and private sector operators to address critical issues affecting the industry’s growth.

According to Opara, achieving Nigeria’s clean mobility objectives requires broad collaboration among regulators, manufacturers, energy providers, transport operators, safety agencies and consumers.

He said, “We are bringing together regulators, manufacturers, energy providers, transport operators, safety agencies and consumers because the transition to clean mobility requires collective action.

“The objective is not only to discuss policy but also to identify practical solutions that will accelerate Nigeria’s journey towards affordable, cleaner and more sustainable transportation.”

Organisers said the summit is expected to generate actionable recommendations to support the Federal Government’s drive to deepen investment in alternative fuel technologies, strengthen local automotive manufacturing, improve transport sustainability and position Nigeria as a leading player in Africa’s emerging clean mobility ecosystem.

With participation already confirmed by leading automotive brands, regulators and other key stakeholders, the 2026 NAISU is shaping up to be one of Nigeria’s most influential gatherings on the future of the automotive industry and the country’s transition to cleaner, more sustainable mobility.