In a strategic move to boost domestic production and cleaner energy adoption, the Federal Government has entered a landmark partnership with a leading Chinese technology company. The agreement focuses on establishing local manufacturing and assembly lines for critical infrastructure needed for Compressed Natural Gas and electric vehicles across Nigeria.
Details of the Sino-Nigerian Partnership
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed with You Jie Te Environment Technology Ltd (YJT), a major Chinese provider of infrastructure and Internet of Things solutions for the oil and gas sector. The deal was finalized during a five-day working visit to the company's facilities in Chengdu and Hangzhou, China, which concluded recently.
The delegation was led by Barrister Ismaeel Ahmed, the Executive Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG) and EVs. The core objective of the collaboration is to shift the production of essential components like CNG dispensers, refuelling stations, and EV charging facilities to Nigerian soil.
Technology Transfer and Smart Monitoring Integration
Beyond hardware manufacturing, the partnership has a significant technological component. The MoU includes plans to deploy advanced IoT (Internet of Things) solutions throughout Nigeria's emerging CNG and EV network. YJT's smart monitoring systems will be integrated with the Pi-CNG's National Gas Vehicle Monitoring System (NGVMS).
This integration will enable authorities and operators to monitor refuelling equipment in real-time across the country. The data collected will cover operational performance, safety compliance, and economic metrics, promising greater transparency and efficiency for the entire value chain.
Expected Benefits and Broader Engagements
Commenting on the deal's significance, Barrister Ismaeel Ahmed highlighted its multifaceted benefits. He stated that the collaboration extends far beyond mere infrastructure development. "This partnership is a significant step forward in ensuring that Nigerians benefit not only from cleaner and more affordable transport energy, but also from job creation, skills transfer and improved service reliability," Ahmed said.
He further emphasized that localising production and using smart tech will strengthen safety, transparency, and efficiency, ultimately benefiting commuters, business operators, and the national economy.
During the China trip, the Pi-CNG team also visited the factory of Sichuan Witent Technology Co. Ltd, a producer of CNG conversion kits. Discussions were held regarding potential investments to establish local assembly and full manufacturing lines for these kits in Nigeria. This move aims to meet the growing demand for converting petrol and diesel vehicles to run on gas and further deepen local participation in the industry.
The Federal Government established the Pi-CNG initiative to accelerate the shift towards CNG and electric vehicles as cleaner, more affordable alternatives to traditional fuels, especially for public transport. This latest international partnership underscores a results-driven approach to technology transfer and domestic capacity building, aligning with broader goals of energy transition, economic resilience, and sustainable development.
