Business
Nigeria’s debt of N31tn unsustainable, says LCCI
- Backs increase in electricity tariff, fuel price
- Seeks more mass transit buses, rail system
- Urges reopening of borders
The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry has expressed worry about the nation’s state of economy, particularly the rising debt profile, currently put at N31tn, without corresponding output growth and economic development.
According to the LCCI, the growing level of the country’s debt is fast becoming unsustainable in the light of dwindling oil prices and production.
President of the LCCI, Toki Mabogunje, gave this position at a press conference on the state of the economy on Tuesday in Lagos.
She said the high level of debt servicing had continued to hinder robust investment in hard and soft infrastructure, described as key to stimulating productivity and improving living standards.
She said, “We note the increase in public debt stock was fueled by fresh domestic and external borrowing required to plug the wider fiscal deficit in the revised 2020 budget, given the impact of the pandemic on oil and non-oil sources of revenue.
“We also note the impact of recent exchange rate depreciation on the country’s level of external indebtedness.
“At the peak of the pandemic in the second quarter, the Federal Government received financial support worth $3.4 billion and $288.5 million from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and African Development Bank (AfDB) respectively, while negotiations are also on-going for a cumulative $1.8 billion credit support from the World Bank, African Development Bank (second tranche) and Islamic Development Bank.
“Adding this to prospective domestic issuances could possibly push the country’s public debt stock to around N34 trillion by year-end, equivalent to 23 per cent of the GDP.”
On the nation’s accelerated inflation rate, Mabogunje said the persistent pressure on consumer prices stemmed largely from the sustained uptrend in food inflation.
She said the recent incidents of flooding in key food-producing states in the North had wiped off food and cash crops on a large scale and disrupted output projections in agriculture.
Mabogunje said that the situation, if not urgently addressed, would escalate the pressure on food prices, thereby putting the country on the verge of a food crisis.
She noted, “According to local media reports, over two million tons of rice were lost to flood; other crops such as sorghum, corn and millet were also affected.
“Rising inflation trajectory has serious implications for businesses regarding production cost, investment real return rate, and overall economic performance.
“Looking forward, the Chamber expects inflation to sustain its upward trajectory for the rest of the year.
“The Lagos Chamber calls on the fiscal and monetary authorities on the need to synergise to moderate domestic prices to a level conducive for sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
“The Federal Government might need to reopen the land borders to give succour to food prices in the light of lower domestic food supply amid huge demand for food.
“Similarly, both the federal and state governments also need to promptly address the issue of food wastage, majorly responsible for the food supply gap being experienced in the country.”
The LCCI president also advised policymakers on the formulation and implementation of policies to facilitate sustainability as business operators grapple with the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mabogunje said such policies must support businesses, protect jobs, preserve investment and foster economic competitiveness at both national and subnational levels.
She said the chamber endorsed the adoption of the cost-reflective tariff regime in the power sector.
The LCCI president said the new tariff would attract investment and improve power supply, even as she noted that safeguards were needed to protect consumers from exploitation.
She said, “If the economics of the investment is not right, investors will not inject capital into the sector. However, there should be safeguards to protect consumers from exploitation.
“There should comprehensive metering of consumers and there should be value for money. We believe that policy should be given a chance.”
The LCCI president said the Solar Home Initiative, aimed at expanding energy access to 25 million individuals through the provision of solar home systems or connection to a mini grid was a step in the right direction.
She said the initiative would stimulate growth and productivity in the country’s rural economy.
Mabogunje also commended government on the recent reforms implemented in the downstream segment of the oil sector.
She said the removal of petrol subsidy and the proposal by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation to give up majority stakes in the four local refineries were laudable.
Mabogunje, however, appealed for the provision of mass transit buses, development of rail system for intra city and intercity transportation, and the acceleration of the auto gas programme so that more vehicles could be powered by gas.
She said, “We believe these measures are steps in the right direction in rescuing the economy from deepening fiscal crisis.
“We note that the subsidy regime had for long constituted a huge burden on public finances, encouraged corruption, inefficiencies, deterred investment flows, and weakened the earnings performance of oil refining and marketing companies.
“We acknowledge the effect of the price hike on the vulnerable segments of the society. Accordingly, we request that palliatives be provided in form of mass transit buses among other initiatives to ease the burden on consumers.”
Mabogunje also called for the expeditious passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill to consolidate recent reforms in the sector.
On the various fiscal and monetary interventions by the government, Mabogunje said the schemes would help with fulfilling payroll obligations and protect the jobs within the SMEs sector.
She said, “The Lagos Chamber acknowledges the various interventions of the fiscal and monetary sides of authorities in mitigating the adverse impact of the pandemic on economic and business environment.
“The federal and state governments need to expeditiously redirect attention to these sectors, including aviation, hospitality, entertainment, and manufacturing.
“This has become necessary to protect jobs, preserve investments and provide the much-needed liquidity required to revive these sectors.”
The LCCI president said the chamber noted the weak performance of the economy at the sectoral level, particularly among key sectors with potential to drive economic diversification.
Mabogunje said the 6.1 per cent contraction of the Gross Domestic Product in the second quarter reflected the profound impact of the pandemic on the economy.
She said the Chamber anticipated a marginal improvement in the GDP growth performance by the third quarter.
She attributed the anticipated improvement to the declining trend in the rate of confirmed cases of COVID-19, relaxation of various containment measures and the increasing tempo of economic activities.
On foreign exchange, the LCCI President said inappropriate forex policies could discourage fresh capital inflows on foreign direct investment, portfolio investment, remittances, and non-oil export proceeds into the economy.
Mabogunje said this was evidenced by the sharp plunge in the level of capital imported into Nigeria from $5.9 billion in the first quarter to $1.2 billion in the second quarter, partly caused by the capital control policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
She said, “The Chamber notes the various policy measures taken by the Central Bank of Nigeria to conserve the country’s foreign exchange resources in the light of weakening dollar inflows precipitated by the global pandemic.
“While the Lagos Chamber appreciates the efforts of the apex bank in preserving the scarce foreign exchange resources at a time the economy is confronted with the twin challenge of lower oil price and production, we believe demand management strategies alone are not sustainable solutions to the recurring foreign exchange crises.”
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Policy Bottlenecks Threaten Nigeria’s Clean Mobility Drive, LCCI Warns
Policy Bottlenecks Threaten Nigeria’s Clean Mobility Drive, LCCI Warns
The Chairman of the Auto and Allied Sector Group of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Dr. Femi Eguahide, has warned that policy inconsistencies, regulatory bottlenecks and weak coordination between the public and private sectors could derail Nigeria’s clean mobility ambitions, urging the Federal Government to deepen collaboration with industry stakeholders to accelerate the transition to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Electric Vehicles (EVs).
Speaking at the 3rd Nigeria Auto Industry Summit in Lagos on Thursday, Eguahide said the success of the Federal Government’s clean mobility agenda would depend on sustained stakeholder collaboration, policy consistency and the removal of operational challenges slowing investment and implementation.
The summit, organised by the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) under the theme, “Nigeria’s Clean Mobility Future: The EV and CNG Journey Under the Bola Tinubu Administration,” brought together policymakers, regulators, automobile manufacturers, financiers, transport operators, researchers, safety agencies and development partners to chart a roadmap for accelerating Nigeria’s transition to cleaner transportation.
Eguahide acknowledged the Federal Government’s commitment to alternative energy solutions through the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG & EV), but stressed that translating policy into tangible results would require stronger coordination between government institutions and private investors.
According to him, the automotive industry remains a critical driver of industrialisation, job creation and economic growth, making it imperative for government agencies to work closely with manufacturers, assemblers, financiers and technology providers to create a more predictable and investment-friendly operating environment.
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He said effective policy implementation must be backed by continuous stakeholder engagement capable of resolving challenges surrounding vehicle conversion, local manufacturing, infrastructure development, financing and technology deployment.
Eguahide maintained that Nigeria possesses enormous potential to build a globally competitive clean mobility ecosystem, but cautioned that fragmented policies and institutional inefficiencies could slow the country’s progress if left unresolved.
He therefore urged government agencies to deepen engagement with the organised private sector to develop practical solutions that would accelerate the rollout of CNG refuelling infrastructure, EV charging networks and local automotive production.
Earlier, the Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to expanding Nigeria’s clean mobility ecosystem through increased investment in infrastructure, local manufacturing and strategic partnerships.
Speaking on behalf of the Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG & EV), Barrister Ismaeel Ahmed, the Initiative’s Chief Compliance Officer, Engr. Zayyanu Tamberi Yabo, said the programme had evolved into a key pillar of President Bola Tinubu’s transport and energy reform agenda.
According to Ahmed, the Presidential Initiative was established not merely to promote alternative fuels but to build an integrated ecosystem covering infrastructure development, investment, vehicle conversion, local manufacturing, technical capacity building and consumer confidence.
“Our approach from the beginning has been to build the foundations of a sustainable industry rather than pursue isolated interventions,” he said.
He disclosed that certified CNG conversion centres had expanded significantly across the country over the past two years, while new refuelling stations were being developed through public and private sector investments.
Ahmed added that vehicle conversions continue to rise as commercial transport operators and private motorists increasingly embrace CNG because of its lower operating costs.
He also highlighted partnerships with financial institutions, energy companies and automobile manufacturers aimed at improving access to financing and accelerating the adoption of clean mobility technologies.
Despite the progress, he identified infrastructure expansion, consumer financing, local manufacturing capacity, technical training, research, innovation and standardisation as priority areas requiring sustained attention.
In his welcome address, NAJA Chairman Theodore Opara described the summit as a strategic platform for shaping the future of Nigeria’s automotive industry.
He said reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration had created fresh momentum for CNG, electric vehicles and local automotive manufacturing, adding that stronger collaboration among government, industry players and the media would be critical to sustaining the gains.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, represented by Engr. Olalekan Omoniyi, said strict compliance with internationally recognised standards would determine the success of Nigeria’s transition to EVs and CNG-powered transportation.
He disclosed that SON had developed more than 80 Nigerian Industrial Standards for CNG vehicles and equipment, as well as 87 additional standards and the National Nigeria Guideline (NNG 1214:2024) for CNG vehicle conversions.
The SON boss warned against the proliferation of uncertified conversion centres and substandard equipment, urging mandatory certification for imported and locally assembled EVs, CNG vehicles, conversion kits and charging infrastructure.
Policy Bottlenecks Threaten Nigeria’s Clean Mobility Drive, LCCI Warns
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FRSC Pledges Robust Safety Measures as Nigeria Accelerates EV, CNG Mobility Drive
FRSC Pledges Robust Safety Measures as Nigeria Accelerates EV, CNG Mobility Drive
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has declared that road safety will remain at the heart of Nigeria’s transition to Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered transportation, pledging to strengthen regulations, enforcement and stakeholder collaboration to ensure the shift to cleaner mobility does not compromise public safety.
The Corps Marshal of ghe FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, made the declaration while delivering a keynote address at the 3rd Nigeria Auto Industry Summit organised by the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) in Lagos.
The summit, themed “Nigeria’s Clean Mobility Future: The EV and CNG Journey Under the Bola Tinubu Administration,” brought together government officials, regulators, manufacturers, energy companies and other industry stakeholders to chart the future of sustainable transportation in Nigeria.
Mohammed said the growing adoption of EVs and CNG-powered vehicles presents significant opportunities for cleaner transportation, lower operating costs and improved energy security, but warned that these benefits can only be fully realised through robust safety regulations, effective enforcement and continuous collaboration among stakeholders.
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He noted that as alternative-fuel vehicles become more prevalent on Nigerian roads, regulatory institutions must evolve to address emerging technologies through specialised training, updated operational guidelines and stronger enforcement frameworks.
According to him, the FRSC has already begun positioning itself for the transition by strengthening safety regulations, engaging key stakeholders and developing operational frameworks specifically designed for EVs and CNG-powered vehicles.
The Corps Marshal stressed that Nigeria’s clean mobility agenda should not only focus on reducing carbon emissions but also on improving road safety, raising vehicle standards and building public confidence in emerging transport technologies.
He added that achieving a safe and sustainable transition would require the active participation of road users, transport operators, vehicle manufacturers, conversion centres, regulators and other critical stakeholders.
Mohammed reaffirmed the FRSC‘s commitment to working closely with government agencies, industry players and development partners to ensure that Nigeria’s journey towards cleaner transportation delivers lasting safety, environmental and economic benefits for the country.
FRSC Pledges Robust Safety Measures as Nigeria Accelerates EV, CNG Mobility Drive
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Pi-CNG boss: Clean mobility will cut transport cost, create jobs, power Nigeria’s economic growth
Pi-CNG boss: Clean mobility will cut transport cost, create jobs, power Nigeria’s economic growth
The Federal Government has declared that Nigeria’s transition to compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric vehicles (EVs) is no longer an environmental ambition but a critical economic strategy to slash transportation costs, strengthen energy security, create jobs and unlock new investments across the automotive value chain.
Making the declaration at the 3rd Nigeria Auto Industry Summit (NAISU) organised by the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) in Lagos, the Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG & EV), Barrister Ismaeel Ahmed, said clean mobility had become a central pillar of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s transport and energy reforms.
Delivering a keynote address titled, “Nigeria’s Clean Mobility Future: The EV and CNG Journey Under the Bola Tinubu Administration,” Ahmed said the Presidential Initiative was established to coordinate Nigeria’s transition to cleaner transportation by building a sustainable ecosystem for CNG and electric mobility.
He explained that the Initiative’s mandate extended beyond promoting alternative fuels to attracting investments, expanding refuelling and charging infrastructure, supporting vehicle conversion, strengthening local manufacturing, developing technical skills and boosting consumer confidence.
According to him, the programme was conceived following the removal of fuel subsidy to provide Nigerians with a practical and affordable transport alternative by leveraging the country’s abundant natural gas resources.
“Our focus from the beginning has been to build the foundation of a sustainable industry rather than pursue isolated interventions,” Ahmed said, noting that Pi-CNG & EV has worked closely with regulators, investors, vehicle manufacturers, conversion firms, financial institutions, development partners, transport unions and state governments.
Reviewing the Initiative’s achievements over the past two years, he said Nigeria’s CNG ecosystem has expanded rapidly, with more certified conversion centres established across the country and refuelling infrastructure growing through public and private sector investments.
He added that vehicle conversions have continued to rise as commercial transport operators and private motorists increasingly embrace the lower operating costs of CNG, while thousands of technicians have been trained to ensure safe and professional conversion services nationwide.
Ahmed also disclosed that strategic partnerships with financial institutions, energy companies, vehicle manufacturers and state governments are helping to improve access to financing, stimulate infrastructure development and accelerate the adoption of clean mobility solutions.
To strengthen safety and regulatory compliance, he announced the introduction of the Nigeria Gas Vehicle Monitoring System, which he said would enhance transparency, improve regulatory oversight and build public confidence in the conversion industry.
While acknowledging the remarkable progress recorded in CNG adoption, Ahmed stressed that the Initiative remains equally committed to advancing electric mobility, saying Nigeria’s long-term transport future would be powered by multiple clean-energy technologies.
He revealed that government is engaging manufacturers, investors and development partners on electric vehicle deployment, charging infrastructure, local assembly and policy reforms aimed at accelerating market growth.
Despite the progress, Ahmed identified infrastructure expansion, consumer financing, local manufacturing, technical capacity development, research, innovation and standardisation as key areas requiring sustained investment and collaboration.
He urged government agencies, investors, manufacturers, transport operators, financial institutions, development partners and the media to work together to overcome these challenges and build a sustainable clean mobility ecosystem.
Describing the media as a strategic partner, Ahmed called on members of the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association to intensify public education on the economic, environmental and technological benefits of clean mobility.
“The transition to clean mobility is as much an information challenge as it is an infrastructure challenge. Public understanding influences public acceptance, while market confidence is built on accurate, timely and responsible information,” he said.
He pledged deeper engagement with journalists through regular technical briefings, industry dialogues and improved access to credible data to combat misinformation and promote informed public discourse.
Ahmed said Pi-CNG & EV would continue expanding CNG infrastructure nationwide, strengthen the regulatory framework, support local manufacturing and vehicle conversion capacity, deepen financing partnerships and collaborate with stakeholders to build a commercially viable clean mobility industry.
According to him, the true measure of the Initiative’s success will not be the number of conversion centres or refuelling stations established, but its ability to reduce transport costs, improve energy security, generate employment, stimulate industrial growth and improve the quality of life of Nigerians.
He commended NAJA for providing a platform for robust industry dialogue, saying stronger collaboration among government, industry players and the media would be essential to accelerating Nigeria’s clean mobility transition.
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